Every year our six KMEA Districts nominate three outstanding music teachers in the categories of elementary, middle school and high school music. Then each district selects one Outstanding Music Educator from their District to be nominated for the State Award. We are so proud to present this honor to Mr. Brad Shores, Band Director from Haven High School.

Brad's tenure as a music educator spans almost 30 years. Currently serving in his 16th year as the band director at Haven High School, Brad also spent 11 years teaching band at Nickerson High school and prior to that 2 years as a strings teacher in the Phoenix area. Along with his very successful traditional band program, Brad has been known for his unique and innovative programs including a steel drum band and a novelty percussion group called the "Trash Cats." Outside of the classroom Brad has also been known for his family band, "Tropical Shores", which involved his three children, Jaimie, Collin, and Bri, and his late wife Linda.

The letters of nomination and support submitted on Brad's behalf were full of many examples of Brad's excellence as a music educator.

• In his nomination letter, Mark Robinson, said "Brad has built outstanding programs wherever he has taught."
• Brad's principal, Marty Nienstedt wrote that Brad "personifies the qualities of a strong leader and teacher. . .students want to be in his band and they excel as a result of it!"
• Kristy Wayman, a parent of students in Brad's band program said, "Brad is wonderful at gauging his student's level of knowledge and ability. He draws upon their strengths to find the best way to encourage them to be their best."
• Students describe Brad as being kind, compassionate, funny and enthusiastic. They say, "He treats students like they are his own children, and he helps students become the best version of themselves!"

Mr. Shores is the kind of teacher we all strive to be! We appreciate his excellence as a music educator, and KMEA is very proud to honor him as the 2016 KMEA Teacher of the Year!