For Jimmy Day II, Colorado’s 2023 teacher of the year, music education goes beyond learning an instrument

For Colorado’s 2023 instructor of the 12 months, music schooling goes far past simply enjoying an instrument.

Jimmy Day II, music instructor and band director at East Center Faculty in Aurora, says his strategy to directing band entails self-discipline — together with construction round how his sixth, seventh and eighth grade college students come into the classroom and get settled for sophistication.

“With out self-discipline, there’s no studying.,” stated Day, in an interview on CPR News’ “Colorado Matters” program.

Day’s recognition comes from the Colorado Division of Training. Every year, they select one Okay-12 instructor that’s “exceptionally devoted, educated and expert.” Day was certainly one of seven finalists for the 2023 honor, and he’s now additionally Colorado’s nominee for the Nationwide Trainer of the 12 months competitors.

The popularity additionally comes with skilled growth alternatives, an invitation to a particular ceremony with different lecturers throughout the nation at The White Home and a chance to attend NASA’s House Camp.

Vignesh Ramachandran for CPR Information

East Center Faculty Interim Principal Jacquelyn Brown stated in a district statement that Day stands out due to his drive “to show music to all college students even when they aren’t initially inclined in direction of studying an instrument.”

“He is aware of college students must have one thing they are often captivated with of their schooling,” Brown added.

Day’s college students have been commending their instructor’s award, too.

“It’s truly an honor since I’ve by no means had a instructor of the 12 months be my instructor,” eighth-grade saxophonist Abimael Reyes stated. “He will be strict about it typically, however I do know he’s simply pushing us to do our greatest, and for that I thank him.”

“Being a pupil with Mr. Day is an honor,” eighth-grade clarinetist Tanya Lopez stated. “He actually helps us develop mentally, and with music he’s taught me loads of abilities and is aware of that I in all probability wouldn’t have the ability to determine it out by myself.”

That steering from a instructor is one thing Day himself has private expertise with.