2025-2026 MMEA Award Nominations

MMEA AWARD NOMINATIONS GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Nomination forms must be received by November 30, 2025.
• Nominations must include a written statement outlining the nominee’s qualifications for the award based on the award criteria. DSA, Lowell Mason, and Music Program Leaders (formerly AIME) Award nominations must also include nominee’s resume, NAfME membership number and expiration date.  Retirees who are no longer teaching do not need to be current NAfME members to be nominated.
• All nominations must include a photocopy of the nominating member’s NAFME card.
• Recipients will be honored at the annual All State Conference.
• A full listing of past recipients can be found at http://massmea.org.

The Distinguished Service Award will be presented annually in recognition of exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments towards the advancement of music education in the schools of Massachusetts, both public and private. This award can be given to any current MMEA member, living or deceased, active or retired, who qualifies under the following criteria:

1. Is or has been employed by a public or private school or college in Massachusetts for a minimum of 15 years.

2. Has demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school, and the community.

3. Has demonstrated leadership in educational innovation.

4. Has demonstrated concern for the total music program.

5. Has recognized the necessity for continued professional growth.

6. Has demonstrated a concern for music education by active involvement in local, district, state, regional, or national professional organizations.

7. Has been previously honored with the Lowell MasonAward.

The Lowell Mason Award will be presented annually to recognize members of MMEA who have been leaders in music education in Massachusetts. This award may be given to any current MMEA member, living or deceased, active or retired, who qualifies under the following criteria:
1. Has demonstrated outstanding leadership in music education.
2. Has made important contributions to music, music education, and MMEA.
3. Has been a music educator for 15 years.

The Music Advocate Award will be presented annually to outstanding individuals, organizations, or community leaders who have demonstrated advocacy for music education in the schools of Massachusetts. The award may be given to any individual, organization, or community leaders who qualify under the following criteria:
1. Is active as an advocate for music education in the school or community.
2. Shows strong leadership in the community and good rapport with teachers, parents, students, and administrators.
3. Candidate’s efforts have led to a financial commitment for music education by the school system and community.
4. Candidate’s efforts have led to improvements in curriculum, budget, or enrollment in the music program.

The Visionary Leadership Award will be presented annually to recognize an outstanding music administrator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This award can be given to any current MMEA member, living or deceased, active or retired, who qualifies under the following criteria:
1. Has served in the capacity of curriculum leader for a minimum of ten years.
2. Has a strong vision for music education in our schools.
3. Has demonstrated leadership in curriculum and program development.
4. Has demonstrated advocacy and public relations.

The Donna Nagle Excellence in General Music Award will be presented annually to recognize someone who has been a leader in the field of general music in Massachusetts. This award may be given to any current MMEA member, living or deceased, active or retired, who qualifies under the following criteria:
1. Has been employed by a public or private school in Massachusetts for a minimum of ten years.
2. Has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication in the general music field.
3. Has made important contributions to the general music field.

The MMEA School Administrator Award will be presented annually to a school administrator who has demonstrated outstanding support for and commitment to music education in their school (district). The award may be given to a school administrator who qualifies under the following criteria:
1. Is NOT a music/arts director or music/arts teacher.
2. Models how the arts should be supported in the Commonwealth.
3. Is active as an advocate for music education in the school (district).
4. Candidate’s efforts have led to a financial commitment for music education by the school system.
5. Candidate’s efforts have led to improvements in curriculum, budget, or enrollment in the music program.