Sara Duce, a Music Strings and Orchestra teacher at Greenfield Junior High in Gilbert, Arizona, has been named a 2025 Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation. She is one of only 30 educators selected nationwide from hundreds of nominees for her instructional quality, innovation, leadership, and student success. Duce is the only recipient in the Southwest region this year and just the second from Arizona in the nine-year history of the award.
The CMA Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence program honors educators who show outstanding commitment to music education. Each winner receives $5,000—half for classroom use and half for personal use. Duce plans to use her portion to upgrade instruments and bring musical artists into her classroom to introduce students to different musical genres.
Honorees were recently invited to Nashville, Tennessee, where they attended professional development sessions, a red-carpet event, and a gala at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Winners will also attend the upcoming Country Music Awards on November 19, 2025.
“I was absolutely shocked and elated. This is my 26th year building the strings program here at Greenfield Junior High, and to be seen and heard in this way by a national organization like the CMA Foundation is an incredible honor,” said Sara Duce. “I am so proud of our students for being willing to invest in a craft that takes hard work and time. The support from the CMA Foundation, combined with our strong community, helps us continue to inspire their love of music.”
CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns stated: “Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day. These teachers are leaders, mentors, and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, ‘We’re with you.’”
Duce credits her achievements to her students’ dedication as well as support from colleagues at Greenfield Junior High’s feeder schools who prepare incoming students for advanced learning opportunities. She also acknowledged the school’s booster association for its backing of major initiatives such as multi-year student trips.
More information about music education programs at Greenfield Junior High and across Gilbert Public Schools can be found at GilbertSchools.net/Music.
