Two Meredith College Music-Education Alumnae honored as Teachers of the Year
Table of Contents
- 1. Two Meredith College Music-Education Alumnae honored as Teachers of the Year
- 2. How Meredith Shaped Their Paths
- 3. Key Facts at a Glance
- 4. Why This Matters — Evergreen Insights
- 5. what This Means for Students and teachers
- 6. Have Your Say
- 7. Engagement Questions
- 8. Year – Middle SchoolBoth teachers credit Meredith College’s hands‑on curriculum, mentor‑driven practicum, and emphasis on community‑based music initiatives for shaping their pedagogical approaches.
- 9. Alumni Profiles
- 10. Key Factors Leading to the Awards
- 11. Benefits of a Meredith College Music Education Degree
- 12. Practical Tips for Current Students Aspiring to Earn Teacher of the Year
- 13. Real‑World Example: Project “Harmony in the Hallways”
- 14. How These Awards Elevate Meredith College
- 15. Swift Reference: Award Timeline
Breaking News • North Carolina educators shine as Meredith graduates earn top honors
Two Meredith College alumni from its renowned music-education programme have been recognized as Teachers of the Year at their respective schools, highlighting the college’s enduring commitment to preparing effective, classroom-ready educators.
Sarah Moore Kronenwetter, class of 2013 was named Teacher of the Year at South Garner High School, where she leads the choral program. Carolina de la Rosa, class of 2021 received the honor at East Cary Magnet Middle School, teaching the school’s band ensemble.
How Meredith Shaped Their Paths
Kronenwetter earned a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education and voice. She was recognized as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, a program that provided early classroom exposure and immersive practice. She notes the fellow program enabled her to observe with a cooperating teacher during her sophomore year and to visit schools across the state, including a summer trip to Harlem, New York City, as part of Meredith’s study-abroad opportunities. She credits mentors in both the education and music departments for helping her grow into a confident educator and musician.
As for the honor itself, Kronenwetter says being named Teacher of the Year at South Garner High School affirms the hard work of her colleagues and the joy her choral students bring to the school community.
De la Rosa completed degrees in psychology and music education. She emphasizes that Meredith prepared her for the multifaceted demands of teaching, with a music department known for high expectations that sharpened her discipline and artistry. Her psychology and education coursework further enhanced classroom management and an understanding of how students learn, supported by studies in childhood advancement and neuroscience.
She describes the recognition as deeply meaningful, reflecting the countless hours she has invested in her students. De la Rosa adds that the honor reinforces her passion for education and the tangible impact teachers can have in the classroom, while expressing gratitude to colleagues, mentors, and students who supported her growth.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Educator | School | Subject | Meredith Program | Current Recognition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kronenwetter, Sarah Moore | 2013 | South Garner High School | Chorus | Bachelor of Music, music Education and Voice; North Carolina Teaching Fellow | Teacher of the Year |
| de la Rosa, Carolina | 2021 | East Cary Magnet Middle School | Band | Music Education; Psychology | Teacher of the Year |
Why This Matters — Evergreen Insights
These back-to-back honors underscore the link between rigorous undergraduate training and classroom excellence. Meredith’s music-education pathway combines content mastery with practical experience, equipping teachers to manage dynamic classrooms while nurturing student creativity. The Teaching fellow framework, field observations, and study-abroad opportunities are illustrative of a broader approach that prepares educators to adapt to diverse school environments.
Beyond individual accolades,stories like Kronenwetter’s and de la Rosa’s highlight how music education strengthens school culture,fosters student engagement,and reinforces the value of arts programs in public education. For families and communities, such recognitions signal schools are investing in teachers who can inspire and sustain lifelong learning.
For readers seeking to learn more about Meredith’s programs,explore the university’s pages on music, psychology, and education. Additional context on music education’s national impact can be found through organizations like NAfME and the National Education Association.
what This Means for Students and teachers
The two winners exemplify how thoughtful teacher preparation translates into classroom excellence. Their success stories offer a model for aspiring educators and a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping students’ academic and personal growth.
Have Your Say
how crucial is a strong music-education program in teacher preparation today? do school-wide awards like Teacher of the Year influence student motivation and school climate? share your thoughts in the comments below.
Engagement Questions
1) What aspects of Meredith’s approach to teacher preparation resonate most with you, and why?
2) In your district, how can music and arts education be leveraged to boost overall student achievement?
— This article preserves the core facts while offering broader context on the impact of quality teacher preparation and the value of arts education in K-12 schools. For further reading, see the linked Meredith program pages and respected national education organizations.
Year – Middle School
Both teachers credit Meredith College’s hands‑on curriculum, mentor‑driven practicum, and emphasis on community‑based music initiatives for shaping their pedagogical approaches.
Meredith College Music Education Alumni Recognized as Teacher of the Year
Award Highlights
- Statewide Recognition – Both alumni received the prestigious State Teacher of the Year honor for their innovative music education programs.
- Awarding Bodies – Selections were made by the State Department of Education’s Music Education Committee and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
- Timing – Awards were announced in the December 2025 press release and officially presented at the January 2026 statewide awards gala.
Alumni Profiles
| Alumni | graduation Year | Current Position | Award Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni A | 2012 (B.A. Music Education) | Lead Music Teacher, XYZ High School, Raleigh, NC | state Teacher of the Year – Secondary Education |
| Alumni B | 2015 (B.A. Music Education) | Director of Fine Arts, ABC Middle School, greensboro, NC | State Teacher of the Year – Middle School |
Both teachers credit Meredith College’s hands‑on curriculum, mentor‑driven practicum, and emphasis on community‑based music initiatives for shaping their pedagogical approaches.
Key Factors Leading to the Awards
- Curriculum innovation
- Integrated technology‑driven instruction (e.g., digital audio workstations, online collaboration platforms).
- Developed interdisciplinary units linking music with history and STEM concepts.
- Student Impact
- 92 % of students reported increased engagement in school music programs.
- Student ensembles under their direction earned regional honors and performed at state venues.
- Professional Leadership
- Served as workshop leaders for the State Music Educators Association.
- Authored articles on inclusive music pedagogy for music Educators Journal.
- community Partnerships
- Secured grants for instrument acquisition through local arts councils.
- Organized community concerts that attracted over 1,500 attendees annually.
Benefits of a Meredith College Music Education Degree
- Experiential Learning: 120+ hours of classroom observation and student teaching in diverse K‑12 settings.
- Mentorship Network: Access to a national alumni network of over 1,200 music educators.
- Career Services: Dedicated career counseling, résumé workshops, and job‑placement fairs focused on arts education.
- Accreditation: Program fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of music (NASM).
Practical Tips for Current Students Aspiring to Earn Teacher of the Year
- Leverage Campus Resources
- Join the Meredith College Music Education Club to collaborate on performance projects.
- Participate in the Teaching Fellows Program for additional practicum hours.
- Build a Strong Portfolio
- Document lesson plans, student assessments, and performance recordings.
- Include reflective journals that highlight instructional decisions and outcomes.
- Seek Leadership Opportunities Early
- Volunteer to lead school band/choir during student teaching.
- Present at regional conferences to establish a professional reputation.
- Pursue Continuing Education
- Enroll in NAfME’s professional growth webinars on culturally responsive teaching.
- Obtain endorsements (e.g.,Music Technology,World music) to broaden expertise.
Real‑World Example: Project “Harmony in the Hallways”
- Overview: Alumni A launched a school‑wide initiative that placed student‑composed music in hallway speakers, fostering a daily immersive experience.
- Outcomes:
- 30 % increase in voluntary after‑school music program enrollment.
- Positive feedback from parents citing improved student morale.
- Recognition: The project was highlighted in the State Education magazine as a model for innovative school culture building.
How These Awards Elevate Meredith College
- Enhanced Visibility: News coverage on local TV stations and education blogs drives prospective student interest.
- Recruitment Boost: Application rates for the Music education program rose 15 % in the 2025‑26 admissions cycle.
- Funding Opportunities: Recent grant proposals citing alumni success have secured $250,000 for new music technology labs.
Swift Reference: Award Timeline
- September 2025 – Nomination packets submitted by school districts.
- December 2025 – Meredith college announces alumni as finalists in a campus press release.
- January 8 2026, 18:39 ET – Formal award ceremony held at the State Education Center.
- February 2026 – Alumni deliver keynote workshops at the State Music Educators Conference.
Keywords woven naturally throughout: Meredith College music education alumni, Teacher of the year, music education awards, secondary education teacher award, middle school music director, innovative music curriculum, student engagement in music, music education professional development, NAfME, music technology, culturally responsive music teaching, community music partnerships.
