Nepean High School Teacher Strikes a Chord: Jeannie Hunter Nominated for National Music Education Award
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is beaming with pride as Jeannie Hunter, Head of Special Education and Fine Arts at Nepean High School, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. Jeannie is one of the five educators across Canada nominated for this prestigious award, celebrating her exceptional dedication to fostering and sustaining music education within her school and the wider community.
The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the music education charity MusiCounts, shines a spotlight on educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower students through music. The winner will be announced and celebrated on a national stage during the Juno Awards broadcast on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
For three decades, Jeannie has poured her heart and soul into teaching a diverse range of musical disciplines within the OCDSB. From instrumental and percussion to vocal music, band, choir, guitar, piano, orchestra, jazz, and even music for community living, her passion is infectious. Her dedication extends beyond the traditional classroom, nurturing a love of music in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Jeannie’s commitment has not gone unnoticed. Her numerous accolades include the 2013 OCDSB Director's Citation Award and two OCDSB Arts Advisory Committee Awards. But perhaps even more telling are the remarkable achievements of her students. They have earned national recognition, winning the title of Canada's greatest music class in 2015 and securing a commendable second place in their category in the 2024 CBC Music Class Challenge. Just last year, her students’ percussion section earned the top award at MusicFest Nationals, a testament to Jeannie’s skill and guidance.
A lifelong champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Jeannie’s influence extends beyond the classroom walls. She founded Brookfield High School's World Voices Choir, partnering with social justice organizations to use music as a powerful tool for positive change. Her commitment to accessibility in music education is further exemplified by her work as an instructor with Ottawa's Orkidstra, the first El Sistema program in North America, where she has nurtured the musical talents of students aged five to 18. Jeannie also actively contributes to the Ontario Music Educators' Association (OMEA) as a board member, clinician, conference attendee, and journal contributor, further demonstrating her dedication to the field.
Under Jeannie’s tutelage, students have experienced extraordinary opportunities, sharing the stage with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and renowned artists such as Johnny Reid, Jully Black, Susan Aglukark, and Serena Ryder. These experiences are not just about performance; they are about fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
The OCDSB proudly congratulates Jeannie Hunter on this well-deserved nomination. Her dedication to enriching the lives of students through music is an inspiration to educators and a testament to the transformative power of music education. Her nomination for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award is a fitting tribute to her unwavering commitment and the profound impact she has had on her students and the community.