MICHAEL KOBITO

Michael Kobito is a music educator at Woodland High School in Cartersville, GA. A teacher at his alma mater, Kobito became an educator after encountering teachers who believed in him and inspired him to believe in himself. Kobito’s mission is to provide his students with the ability to see their self-worth and develop skills to make the most out of their gifts.

Kobito teaches high school band and AP Music theory. During his tenure as director, the band has performed at multiple national events including the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington D.C., the GMEA InService Conference, the Southeastern United States Honor Band Festival, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, UGA’s Janfest Honor Band Festival, and the London New Years Day Parade.

Kobito serves as a clinician and adjudicator across the state providing leadership clinics, judging events, and inspiring other educators to make the most of their outreach. He serves as associate conductor of Tara Winds and as a guest conductor of the Georgia Brass Band.

In his seven years as an educator, Kobito has proudly received three National Band Association Citations of Excellence. He has been named an AP Teacher with Distinction after his AP Music Theory Class experienced a 100% pass rate with 100% test participation. In 2021, Kobito was selected as Woodland High School’s STAR Teacher. Additionally, Kobito was named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for Woodland High School and the Bartow County School System and currently serves as the 2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year.