Nominate a Peer
MMEA is proud to sponsor the Music Educator of the Year Award and Michael Hiatt Hall of Fame Award to Minnesota’s exceptional music educators nominated by peers.
Timeline: Application, Selection and Awards
While award nominations have be accepted on a rolling basis, MMEA’s Board of Directors is PAUSING the process currently to properly celebrate 2026 award winners in the wake of cancelling MWC 2026. MMEA’s Board of Directors will be revising the process for ease of nomination and recognition in alignment with MMEA’s mission and vision. YES, if you have nominated an educator in recent years, we will keep their nomination for consideration within the new system. We will reach out to the nominating parties if we need additional information at any time to meet potentially redefined criteria. And NOW, let’s celebrate the award winners for 2026!
Music Educator of the Year
This award recognizes exemplary music teachers throughout Minnesota that have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy in music education.
One teacher will be awarded in each of the following categories: Elementary School Educator, Middle School Educator, High School Educator, Collegiate Educator, and Community Music Educator.
Please give a round of applause to MMEA’s 2026 Music Educators of the Year: Leigh Wakefield, J.D. Steele, Megan Tietz, Laura Manley Harmon, and Bri Bergstrom!
Proposed general timeline:
December 1: Annual deadline for rolling applications
Dec 1-15: Awards Committee Review
December 20: Preparation of Awards
January: Announcement of Awards
February: Awards Ceremony at MWC
Download EOY Criteria (Revised 4.30.24)
Google EOY Nomination Form (Revised 5.15.2024) PAUSED
Rubric (Revised 4.28.24)
View past MMEA Educators of the Year award winners. (Updated 8.5.26)
Michael Hiatt Hall of Fame Award
The Minnesota Music Educators Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor awarded by MMEA. It was established in 1986 to recognize the legacy of outstanding music educators who have significantly contributed through their continued service to the growth and development of music education in the state of Minnesota.
Beginning in 2024, the Hall of Fame Award will be renamed in memory of music educator and
MMEA President Michael Hiatt (1955-2023). As an impactful member of the music education
community, Michael Hiatt’s contributions included his many years as a classroom educator in our state as well as influencing public policy for music education across our state, region, and country.
A maximum of four members will be selected biennially for the Hall of Fame and inducted at our Midwinter Convention. Educators will be nominated in even years for induction in the following even year.
Download HoF Criteria (Revised 4.29.24)
Google HoF Nomination Form PAUSED
Rubric (Revised 5.17.24)
View past MMEA Hall of Fame inductees.