ISMTA Teacher of the Year
Individuals and local associations are invited to nominate a member for ISMTA Teacher of the Year. Teacher of the Year nominees must be a current ISMTA member. Nominees shall have made a significant contribution over an extended period of time to not only their teaching studio, but community, their local association and ISMTA. Contributions may be educational, creative, administrative, financial or service related, but should be significant in both scope and impact.
ISMTA Teacher of the Year will be honored as part of the ISMTA Conference in November. Winner will also automatically be nominated for the MTNA Teacher of the Year Award.
To nominate a teacher, use the link below to submit the following by July 15, 2026:
- Nominee’s contact information
- Short Biography (150 word limit)
- Letter of recommendation (600 word limit)
- High resolution headshot of nominee
2026 Teacher of the Year:
Yeeseon Kwon
Dr. Yeeseon Kwon is Interim Associate Dean and Professor in the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. A nationally recognized adjudicator, clinician, conference, and masterclass presenter, her lecture performances encompass Romantic pianism, innovative group piano musicianship, instructional technology, and adult learning. Her international performances include solo, duo piano, and collaborative engagements. Formerly Vice President of The College Music Society, Dr. Kwon is President of Illinois State Music Teachers Association, Director of Institutional Engagement at the Frances Clark Center, and serves on the MTNA board as East Central Division Director.
