Rabinowitz Named Quarterfinalist for 2026 Music Educator Award

Willink Middle School music teacher Benjamin Rabinowitz has been recognized as a quarterfinalist for the prestigious 2026 Music Educator Award, presented annually by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. This honor celebrates impactful music educators across the United States.

"It is an honor to be nominated for this award and it is truly humbling,” Ben said. “As any teacher would say, when a student goes out of their way to show appreciation for what we do, it is truly special. Regardless of the outcome, I will use this recognition as a reminder to keep my standard for musical excellence and empathy in my classroom as high as it can be."
 
Ben is among 200 music teachers from 180 cities currently in contention for the award, selected from over 2,000 initial nominations. He is a six-year Webster CSD veteran music teacher who teaches seventh grade general music, conducts Willink Chorus for grades six through eight, is music director for the Willink Drama Club, and is artistic director for the Webster Thomas High School musical.
 
The Music Educator Award acknowledges current music teachers, from kindergarten through college, in both public and private schools, who have made significant and lasting contributions to music education and demonstrated a commitment to its preservation in schools.
 
“Especially in the performing arts, the connection made between students, teachers, and ensemble members is key to why music holds a special place in the education of today's youth. Mr. Rabinowitz has been recognized for honors several times by students over the years, showing the impact of his work to create a classroom as a safe space where students can share who they really are while being part of something larger than yourself,” said Michael Roller, district director of fine arts. “He certainly makes Webster CSD proud.”
 
The semi-finalists will be announced in September. The final recipient of the 2026 Music Educator Award, the 12th annual honoree, will be celebrated during GRAMMY Week 2026, leading up to the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The recipient will also be flown to Los Angeles to attend the GRAMMYs and GRAMMY Week events. The nine additional finalists will each receive a $500 honorarium, with a matching grant for their school.
 
The Music Educator Award program is supported by the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, along with outreach assistance from the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association. The award is open for nominations from anyone, including students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.