Congratulations to Katherine Findlay, music teacher at Meadow Park, Woodbury, and Westpark elementary schools, as well as the Irvine Adult Transition Program, for being named a semifinalist for the national GRAMMY Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation.
Findlay is one of just 25 semifinalists selected from more than 2,000 nominations nationwide, representing music educators from across all 50 states. Her recognition highlights not only her exceptional dedication to her students but also the excellence of IUSD’s award-winning music education program.
In addition to this designation, Findlay has received Irvine Unified’s Teaching in Excellence Award, SCSBOA Rising Star Award, Orange County Outstanding Arts Educator Award, and Orange County Special Education Arts Educator Award.
The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators, from kindergarten through college, public and private schools, who have made a lasting impact on students and demonstrated a deep commitment to keeping music education thriving in their schools.
The award is a joint initiative of the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation and will be presented during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony & Nominees Reception as part of GRAMMY Week 2026.
Each year, one recipient is chosen from 10 finalists and honored for their outstanding dedication to music education and impact on students' lives. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants. Fifteen semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants.
Finalists for the 2026 Music Educator Award will be announced in November.
For more information about the Music Educator Award and this year’s semifinalists, visit the .