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MusiCounts Reveals National 2024 Teacher of the Year Award Winner
MusiCounts Reveals National 2024 Teacher of the Year Award Winner
Each year since 2005, the national music education charity MusiCounts has recognized an educator with the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, celebrating the accomplishments of music teachers across the country who strive to preserve the livelihood of music education.
On March 24th, during the 53rd Annual JUNO Awards live broadcast in Halifax, NS, the charity was thrilled to announce Stephen Richardson from École St. Joseph School in Yellowknife, NT, as the winner of the esteemed 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment.
Stephen was selected by an external committee of music education experts from a group of five incredible teacher nominees from across Canada:
Zeda Ali—Sunnyview Middle School, Brampton, ON
Robert Bailey—École Charlie Killam School, Camrose, AB
Élisabeth Bouchard-Bernier—École Des Explorateurs, Malartic, QC
Sarah Comerford—Macdonald Drive Junior High, St. John’s, NL
Stephen Richardson—École St. Joseph, Yellowknife, NT
As the winner of the 2024 Award, Richardson will receive a JUNO Award statuette, a $10,000 cash prize, a grant for his school through the MusiCounts School Music Funding Program, and grants made to additional schools in his honour.
“Congratulations to the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year nominees, who exemplify the passion, dedication, innovation, and care that Canadian music teachers put into their craft,” said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. “MusiCounts is thrilled to honour Stephen Richardson of Yellowknife, NT, with this year’s award, to recognize his commitment to music education and his pivotal role in shaping the region’s music scene right where it begins in the music classroom.”
The Nominees
Stephen Richardson, École St. Joseph, Yellowknife, NT
Richardson is a passionate advocate for music education in the North. He empowers youth through music, and uses technology in the classroom to help kids build skills like recording, grant writing, video production, and more.
Zeda Ali, Sunnyview Middle School, Brampton, ON
Ali exemplifies inclusivity in the music room by ensuring students’ interests and cultures are reflected in the music they make. She introduced a steelpan program that empowers the significant population of Caribbean students to make music that reflects their heritage.
Robert Bailey, École Charlie Killam School, Camrose, AB
Bailey has made a significant contribution to the music scene in his community throughout his 40+ year career by helping generations of young people get their start in concert and jazz band.
Élisabeth Bouchard-Bernier, École Des Explorateurs, Malartic, QC
Bouchard-Bernier is a two-time MusiCounts Band Aid Grant recipient who has been a driving force in the use of music therapy techniques to benefit students’ emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Sarah Comerford, Macdonald Drive Junior High, St. John’s, NL
Comerford is a music educator who leads by example and does it all. She runs six different ensembles at her school, plays in the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and has elevated the Newfoundland and Labrador Band Association to a national level.
