Coppell ISD music educator Eric Hanson is headed to Nashville in September to be honored by the Country Music Association and CMA Foundation as a recipient of its Music Teachers of Excellence recognition. Hanson, who teaches music at Wilson Elementary, is one of just 30 music teachers nationwide to receive the award.
Hanson was surprised with the announcement on May 7 at Wilson Elementary with this video from country music star Luke Bryan in front of Wilson students, teachers, parents, Wilson Principal Cooper Hilton, Director of Fine Arts Gerry Miller and CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt. Hanson’s three children were also on hand for the announcement. To see the surprise announcement video, visit https://youtu.be/tGoHMvTsnyM.
“Thank you for being an awesome teacher and all you do for the kids there at Wilson Elementary,” Bryan said. “Remember, teachers are the real superstars, not people like me.”
The CMA Foundation will hold its eighth Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony on Sept. 17 in Nashville. The program recognizes teachers who excel at using the power of music to make an impact on their students.
Hanson and the other winning teachers will be awarded $5,000 — with $2,500 designated for their school’s music program and $2,500 designated to support professional development and personal expenses.
“I can’t believe it. I’m overwhelmed and humbled to receive this recognition,” Hanson said. “I want to thank my fellow Wilson teachers for their support, as well as the parents who wrote letters of recommendation for me. Most importantly, I want to thank the students of Wilson Elementary, three of whom are my own, because they are why I do what I do every day.”
Hanson has taught music at Wilson Elementary for 12 years. He was the school’s Teacher of the Year and the CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2018. He is known for his commitment to excellence in teaching both inside and outside of his classroom.
“Mr. Hanson nurtures our student musicians’ skills through his daily music instruction and also through the countless extracurricular opportunities that he sponsors at no cost for our families, including our Bel Canto student choir, our Tamba marimba group and our annual school musical,” Principal Hilton said. “There are countless times that Mr. Hanson has seen a need and stepped in to address it.
One particular example is how he has filled a gap in summer music opportunities for our community. Not only did he start offering school-based music camps for our school, but he also set aside one camp worth of slots for our economically disadvantaged learners to participate for free of charge.”
About the CMA Foundation
Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining high-quality music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), invests various resources across the national public school system, after-school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.
About Music Teachers of Excellence
Music Teachers of Excellence is the CMA Foundation’s commitment to the music teachers who exemplify excellence in the field. Each year, 30 honorees are selected for their commitment to bringing high-quality music programming to their students and local community. Honorees will receive a $5000 award to be split evenly between their music classroom and personal use.