Career Teachers

Each year, NMEA honors Career Teacher members who have reached significant milestones in their teaching careers, beginning at 25 years. Recognition is awarded in five-year increments—25, 30, 35, 40, 45 years, and so on. Exceptions are ONLY made for educators retiring in the current academic year or those who have already retired; they may request recognition for their total years of teaching, even if it doesn’t fall on a five-year mark. Active NMEA membership is required to be eligible for this recognition.

If you have reached a milestone in your teaching career this year, don’t miss the chance to be honored. Submit your self-nomination application today! The application deadline is October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

2025 CAREER TEACHER RECOGNITION

Congratulations to the following teachers for their dedicated careers in music education!

Name Career Teacher Award Level School
Stacie Blackmore 25 Years Sunrise Middle School, Kearney
Frank Ibero 25 Years Scottsbluff High School
Beth McCreight 25 Years District OR-1, Palmyra & Bennet
Stephanie Bourek-Hoyt 30 Years Columbus Public Schools
Angie Murphy 30 Years Pine Creek Elementary, Bennington
Jim Kucera 35 Years Omaha Christian Academy & High School
Thomas Michalek 35 Years Watson Elementary, Hastings
Del Whitman 40 Years Lincoln East High School
Jolene Rose 43 Years, Retired Arthury County Public Schools

 

PAST AWARD WINNERS

Click the link below to see a full list of our past Career Teacher Recognition winners.

NMEA Career Teacher Recognition List