Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is thrilled to announce that Dr. Kathryn Spangler, our exceptional music educator and Mt. Vernon High School band director, has been named a 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence and a quarterfinalists for the annual Music Educator Award, which honors impactful music educators in the U.S.  Both awards recognize Dr. Spangler’s exceptional dedication to her students, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering commitment to advancing music education in our community.

Now in its ninth year, the CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence program honors 30 of the top music educators from across the United States. Recipients are chosen not only for their outstanding work in the classroom but also for their efforts in building inclusive, impactful music programs that reach beyond school walls. The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have chosen a total of 200 music teachers who have been announced as quarterfinalists for the Music Educator Award from over 2,000 initial nominations, and Dr. Sprangler is one of them!

Dr. Spangler has been instrumental in growing and enriching Mt. Vernon’s music program, creating a space where students thrive both artistically and personally. Her leadership and passion have made music a central part of the student experience, and this recognition reflects the lasting impact she has had on our school and beyond.

As part of the award, Dr. Spangler will be honored at the 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Gala, which will take place on Wednesday, September 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The evening will celebrate the work of these incredible educators, with support from music industry professionals and education leaders. The semi-finalists for the Music Educator Award will be announced in September. The final recipient of the 2026 Music Educator Award will be honored during GRAMMY Week 2026, days ahead of the 2026 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

In addition to national recognition, each honoree receives a financial grant to support both their classroom and personal professional development—ensuring this award brings real, lasting benefit to both teachers and students.

Congratulations to Dr. Spangler on this well-deserved honor