GGUSD Teacher Receives 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Award

• Friday, May 12, 2023

Garden Grove Unified School District Choir Teacher Dr. Nora Hernández is being recognized by the Country Music Association Foundation at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Awards on September 19 in Nashville.  Hernández is the only teacher in California, and one of only 30 teachers across the nation, to receive the elite recognition which celebrates teachers who have a tremendous positive impact on their students and use the power of music to improve the lives of students. Hernández has been a music teacher in GGUSD for eight years and teaches choir and general music at Monroe and Russell Elementary Language Academies and choir at Fitz Intermediate School.

"I am honored to receive this recognition because people who look like me can see what I've accomplished, and they can also be empowered to do the same. Nora doesn't just represent herself; she represents her students, her people, and her community, and if she can do it, so can they," said Dr. Hernández.

“Nora is extremely deserving of this honor. We are very proud of the work she does each and every day to use music to inspire, motivate and support our students,” said Board of Education Trustee Bob Harden.

“Nora gives her all to her students. Her ability to use music to motivate students and build their sense of wellbeing and self-confidence is truly inspiring,” said Cesar Loya, Principal of Monroe Elementary Language Academy.

The Country Music Association Foundation will invest $150,000 to this year’s group of 30 award winners with funding going toward their school’s music program and professional development opportunities. Award recipients were selected from a competitive application process and judged based on professional and personal growth, student learning and engagement, and school and community contributions.

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