Miami Music Educator Wins GRAMMY Award

Jennifer Jimenez, a University of Miami School of Education and Human Development alumna, received the 2026 Music Educator of the Year award at the recent GRAMMY Awards. The recognition highlights the collaboration between UM's School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) and the Frost School of Music in training music educators.

Jimenez, who graduated in 2003, earned a degree from the Frost School of Music and an education minor through SEHD's Department of Teaching and Learning. This dual program prepared her for her current role as magnet band director and Fine Arts Department chair at South Miami Senior High School.

During her 19-year tenure at South Miami Senior High, Jimenez has led her students to notable performances, including appearances at Carnegie Hall and two Super Bowl halftime shows. She directed the band during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show.

Dr. Jennifer Krawec, chair of SEHD's Department of Teaching and Learning, spoke at a reception honoring Jimenez at UM's Kislak Center. "Music education is essential. It builds self-confidence and creativity, and it enhances student performance across academic subjects," Krawec said. "Music teachers persist."

SEHD will formally honor Jimenez at its upcoming graduate awards ceremony. Though unable to attend in person, she continues to mentor current music education students through internship opportunities, extending the SEHD-Frost partnership's legacy.