Keller ISD Music Teacher Honored with Grant for Innovative Teaching
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by
Leslie Horn
Heather Matthews, a Music Teacher at Friendship Elementary School in Keller ISD, was recently recognized for her innovative and inspiring teaching methods. Matthews, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who serves as a Sunday School teacher in her Keller congregation, was nominated by a fellow teacher and honored at a recent Board Meeting, where she was presented with the IT’S Award (Innovative Teachers Inspiring Students).
Jennifer John, fourth grade teacher at Friendship Elementary, said the following in her nomination of Mrs. Matthews: “Heather amazes me with the way she is committed to giving our kids so many opportunities to fall in love with music. On top of helping direct a musical for eachgrade level, she leads an honor choir, instrument ensemble, and now a swing show choir. With the instrument ensemble, students have the opportunity to switch instruments with each song, allowing for a richer musical experience, while also choosing songs from several different cultures and musical styles. I love that she is challenging our kids and pushing them to that next level. Speaking of pushing our kids to success, Heather’s focus is on developing the ‘whole musician.’ This means that she is teaching students solfege and how to read music starting in kindergarten, and even giving students the opportunity to compose short songs. Her teaching is based on the 8 Habits of a Musician, and she is passionate about connecting all areas of academics to both character and music development. The way Heather gives her students these kinds of opportunities at such a young age, amazes me! I can’t wait to see what these kids are capable of by the time they are in high school; this is not only opening doors for school involvement, but boosted self-confidence for years to come, as well. Working in a Title I school, we have students who sometimes miss out on these kinds of experiences. Dance classes and music lessons are expensive, but by Heather offering free opportunities to our population, she is changing life courses for our kids. I love the way she caters to students who struggle academically, socially, and in their self-esteem. Her heart for both music and children are so evident at FSES!”
The IT’S Award is in its tenth year of honoring Keller ISD teachers. This peer-nominated recognition program highlights KISD teachers for the amazing things they are doing in their classrooms. From innovative to inspiring and everything in between, the IT’S Award is proud to share the stories of the District’s most exceptional teachers.
Matthews, a mother of six children, will receive a $500 grant for her classroom, courtesy of the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation. Check out the video below to see how Heather makes music accessible to all students by creating a safe and comfortable environment for students to explore all that music has to offer. Congratulations, Heather!
See the school district’s Facebook post about Heather’s award here. Special thanks to KISD for sharing the nomination and award description so that we could share here.
Leslie Horn is a writer, editor, fashion stylist, and Media Specialist living with her husband and teenage son in the Colleyville Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has a daughter in college out of state and a son serving a full-time mission in Quito, Ecuador.
