The deadline to turn in nominations for the third annual Music Educator Award is March 15. The award is open to current U.S. music teachers, and anyone can nominate a teacher — students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans and administrators. Teachers are also able to nominate themselves. Nominated teachers will be notified and invited to fill out an application.

The award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.

One recipient will be selected from 10 finalists and will be recognized for his/her impact on students’ lives. The third annual winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award and receive a $10,000 honorarium at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & Nominees Reception honoring recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical Grammy Award during Grammy Week 2016. The winner will also attend the 58th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants.