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 proud to honor Mr. Mike Quilling from Deerfield High School as the KMEA State Music Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Quilling has touched countless lives through music education. Zach Bailor a former student says, "Mr. Quilling was always prepared and very organized. From 5th grade to high school band, he was completely unwavering in his commitment to all students as well as to the art of making music!"

KMEA Executive Director, John Taylor states "Mr. Quilling has had a very notable teaching career. He has sent former students to me at Friends University and they were always well prepared, with a positive attitude! When Mr. Quilling was KMEA President, I was often amazed when we walked into an office of a State or National elected leader. In a matter of minutes, he would be having a personal conversation with a Senator or Representative, which led them to pay close attention to his music advocacy message."

Mike's wife Rosanna, and his two sons Lance and Brad have always been very supportive of Mike's teaching career. Lance is also a band director like his dad and has some pretty good footsteps to follow. Mr. Quilling 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 2015 KMEA Teacher of the Year!

Mike was honored during the closing ceremonies of the 2015 KMEA In- Service Workshop.