Each spring, the NHSO honors public and private school music teachers, as well as private studio teachers throughout Connecticut for distinguished teaching at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Our goal is to salute exemplary teachers for their significant contributions to the lives of their students and to the community. We ask supervisors, colleagues or students of outstanding teachers to submit nominations according to the instructions below. Consideration will be given to music educators with a minimum of five years experience. Please note: We do not accept self-nominations. Completed applications must be received at the NHSO office by 5:00pm EST on January 15, 2008.

Awards will be presented at the 2008 “Teacher’s Night Out”, a festive event including the awards presentation, exciting guest speakers, dinner from downtown restaurants and the NHSO season finale concert featuring Johannes Brahms’ Requiem. Hosted by Neighborhood Music School in their recital hall, this will be an evening to remember. Mark your calendar! May 1, 2008, 5:00pm. Tickets are just $25, but space is limited, so contact Steve to make your reservation now!

The preferred application method is via email, with the required documents in Microsoft Word file format. (Submit to: scollins@newhavensymphony.org) Letters of recommendation may be submitted via email without original signatures. If electronic submission is not possible, paper applications can be sent to:

Excellence in Music Teaching Award

NHSO
PO BOX 9718
New Haven, CT 06536

For more information, please contact Steve Collins at (203) 931-2998, or e-mail scollins@newhavensymphony.org.

Application Procedure

Items #1-2 to be completed by nominator, items #3-4 by nominee.

1. Cover sheet listing:

Nominator: Name, address, phone number and email. Capacity in which you know or have observed the nominee.

Nominee: Name, school or organization, address, phone number and email, number of years teaching and music specialty (general, choral, instrumental).

2. Three letters of recommendation – from nominator, colleagues, administrators, parents and/or students. An NHSO Education Committee member may contact these individuals, and committee members may request on-site visits before final decisions are made.

3. Current complete resume in outline form not to exceed two pages in length with the following information:

• employment history including years in each position
• educational background (institutions, degrees, years, continuing education)
• professional affiliations (indicate any participation beyond membership)
• professional musical life beyond teaching responsibilities
• awards and special recognition of achievements
• community activities (e.g., instructing, directing, organizing or performing)

4. Personal statement one page in length detailing your teaching goals and significant contributions you have made to your students’ lives and to the community.