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Recognition

OMEA Recognition and Awards

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OMEA is proud to announce open nominations in celebration of the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who champion music education across the state. These accolades recognize excellence in various facets of the music community. Please submit awards.

OMEA Distinguished Service Award

The OMEA Distinguished Service Award is the Ohio Music Education Association's top honor, presented annually at their professional development conference. It recognizes a living OMEA member for their outstanding contributions to music education.
To nominate someone, you'll need to complete a form and include the nominee's resume, a letter detailing how they meet the specific criteria, and supporting letters from professional colleagues.
Nominees are evaluated on three main areas:
  • Teaching Impact: This assesses their success in building and maintaining strong music programs, using innovative teaching methods, and collaborating with others to improve student learning.
  • Service: This looks at their involvement in the music education profession through leadership roles, committee work, and special projects within organizations like OMEA and NAFME, as well as community initiatives.
  • Professional Outreach/Achievement: This considers their distinguished contributions as a clinician, adjudicator, conductor, author, or performer, as well as any awards, consulting work, or unique educational opportunities they've created.

OMEA Young Music Educator Award

The OMEA Young Music Educator Award recognizes an OMEA member who has been teaching music in Ohio for three to eight years and demonstrates excellence in the field. This award aims to honor young educators for their exceptional service, dedication, and overall impact on music education.

Nominations must be submitted by an OMEA member by November 1st. The OMEA Board of Trustees will make their selection, and the award recipient will be notified by December 1st. The award is presented at the annual OMEA Professional Development Conference.
To qualify, nominees must:
  • Be an OMEA member in good standing and agree to attend the conference to receive the award.
  • Be actively teaching in Ohio.
  • Be in their third through eighth year of teaching.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to promoting music education and the arts beyond their regular teaching duties within their school, community, region, or state.

Outstanding Music Support Group, Outstanding Administrator and Outstanding Music Educator Awards

OMEA presents an award each year recognizing an Outstanding Music Support Group that has contributed considerably to the development or maintenance of a comprehensive music program in Ohio. Here is an opportunity to have them recognized by educators throughout the state and give your personal thanks for the activities they have organized.
The OMEA Outstanding Administrator Award recognizes an outstanding school administrator in Ohio who has shown active and ongoing support for balanced music programs. OMEA members are encouraged to nominate deserving administrators for this statewide recognition.
The OMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award recognizes outstanding music educators in Ohio who have demonstrated exemplary service to their students, communities, and the music education profession. OMEA members are encouraged to nominate deserving colleagues for this statewide honor.

Nominations must be submitted by an OMEA member by November 1st. The OMEA Board of Trustees will make their selection, and the award recipient will be notified by December 1st. The award will be presented at the OMEA Professional Development Conference.
To be eligible, nominees should:
  • Be an OMEA member in good standing and agree to attend the conference to receive the award.
  • Show a strong commitment and dedication to their students.
  • Creatively meet students' needs and interests, fostering learning, growth, and development.
  • Contribute time and effort beyond their regular teaching duties to promote music education and the arts within their school system, community, region, or the state.