The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) and Guilford County Schools presented the 2011 Arts Education Teacher of the Year award on April 12. Winner of the 2011 award was Brian McMath of Northwest Guilford High School; Christina Caltagirone of High Point Central High School was runner-up.
McMath and Caltagirone were recognized at the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 12. McMath will also be recognized at OnStage! April 14 at the War Memorial Auditorium. The award celebrates teachers who provide outstanding arts education, encouraging students to develop their imaginations, communication skills, creative abilities, and more. McMath was presented with the 2011 Guilford County Arts Education Teacher award and $1,000 towards professional development. Finalist Caltagirone was presented an award for her achievement.
Director of Bands, Brian Mcmath, holds his Masters of Music in Music Education and BA in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. McMath's accomplishments are many. In his 14 years of teaching, 13 of his previous students have gone on to teach music or acquire music degrees. He created Winter Guard and Winter Percussion ensembles with his varsity guard attaining semi-finalists at Winter Guard International World Championshps last year and ranked in the top 48 from the United States. In addition, McMath has worked to develop a leadership academy for high school band students at the Center for Creative Leadership. "Mr. MacMath combines the freedom of expression needed by an artist with the discipline and focus required for a teacher of young adults and teens. He balances these two competencies in a seamless and transparent manner and through this, teaches both children and parents the lessons of a lifetime," says Dr. Clemson Turregano from the Center of Creative Leadership.
High Point Central High School's Theatre Arts teacher, Christina Caltagirone makes a difference in her student's lives. "My goal is to give students experiences that build self confidence, create an awareness of the world around them, develop their oral and written communication skills and foster group work. It's this fact that makes arts education vital to every school community. When a quiet student gets onstage and surprises us all by trying harder than he/she has ever done before, I know I've made an impression," says Caltagirone. Her dedication to students, hard work, and resilience shine through as Caltagirone was recently voted Teacher of the Year by High Point Central's faculty and staff.
The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is honored to work in partnership with Guilford County Schools to recognize these exceptional educators. Nominations for the Arts Education Teacher of the Year are accepted each January.
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