Cedar Falls Teacher Among 25 Finalists For Grammy Honor

CEDAR FALLS, IA — An elementary school music teacher is among 25 finalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award that recognizes the roots of music education for many artists today. Michelle Droe, who has been with the Cedar Falls school district for 26 years and teaches music at Lincoln Elementary School, was nominated for the award by a student and her family.

The annual award was created to recognize the lasting contribution teachers make to music education, whether it's introducing a child to vocal or instrumental music or teaching a college-level student. Honorees demonstrate a commitment to providing and continuing music education in the schools and they represent public and private schools at all education levels.

This year's list of nominees included 2,300 educators. Ten finalists will be named in December. The winner will receive $10,000 and will be flown to New York City to attend the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018 and receive the Music Educator Award at a ceremony during Grammy Week. Finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium and semifinalists receive a $500 honorarium.

Droe graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls with a bachelor's degree in music education and from the University of Northern Colorado with a master's degree in music/horn performance, according to the school district website. She also is the Repertoire and Standards Chairwoman for the Iowa Choral Directors Association in the area of Children Choirs and is the Northeast representative for the Iowa Music Educators Association.

Photo via Cedar Falls schools