GGUSD Choir Teacher to Receive Music Teachers of Excellence Award
- Wednesday, September 28, 2022
La Quinta High School teacher Darlene Machacon is being recognized by the Country Music Association Foundation at the 2022 Music Teachers of Excellence Awards on October 19th in Nashville, Tennessee. Darlene is one of only 30 teachers nationwide, and the only California teacher, to receive the prestigious award that recognizes teachers who are having a great impact on the lives of their students and using the power of music as an avenue for change.
“Garden Grove Unified is a special district because of outstanding educators like Darlene who are truly committed to providing students with the best educational experience possible” said Board of Education President Bob Harden. “We applaud Darlene for this exciting award as being recognized as one of the best music teachers in the country.”
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 judged based on professional and personal growth, student learning and engagement, and school and community contributions.
Darlene is in her sixth year with GGUSD and currently teaches Choir, Piano, and AP Music Theory. She is an active presenter and author, one of 15 national teachers leading professional development with the National Association for Music Education, and serves on a variety music education leadership boards with a focus on social-emotional learning and culturally-responsive teaching.
The Music Teachers of Excellence award supports educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching and student learning and are committed to making a positive impact on their school and community while raising awareness for the broader cause of music education. In addition, the ideal candidate can confidently overcome challenges in the classroom and is constantly seeking opportunities to continue to develop themselves professionally.