School Salute 2021-2022 Winner 8

Fulton Homes News

School Salute 2021 2022

Posted: 3/31/2022

Gilbert Teacher Honored for her
Energetic Teaching Style

K-8 Music Teacher for Val Vista Academy Wins "School Salute" Award

Fulton Homes and 94.5 KOOL-FM continue celebrating music education and honoring educators across the Valley with the Fulton Homes School Salute program. Today, the partnership is excited to announce an elementary school music teacher from Val Vista Academy, Alyssa McElwain, as the eighth winner of the 2021-2022 school year.

"We are continually amazed by the enthusiasm and effort shown by the nominees in the School Salute program," said Fulton Homes CEO Doug Fulton. "We are aware that students in strong music education programs have a greater capacity for success, and we are so appreciative of the remarkable dedication to today's youth from the teachers in our communities."

The Journal for Research in Music Education stated that students in fine instrumental programs scored 17 percent higher in mathematics than children in schools lacking a music program. The same report discovered that those students also scored 19 percent higher in English than students in schools without a music program, and 32 percent better than students in schools with an inadequate choral program.

Mrs. McElwain has dedicated the past decade of her life to teaching music to her students with unbridled passion and energy. When she isn't teaching, McElwain sings, plays instruments, writes and records her own music. The Arizona native is married, with two daughters, Marlo and Grace. The family enjoys hiking, traveling and boating in their down time.

In addition to teaching music at Val Vista Academy, Mrs. McElwain also helps orchestrate and produce the annual spring musical. The performance is open to all children K-8 and it tends to be one of the most entertaining musical highlights of the year.

"I am so honored to have the chance to inspire children and to see their light shine in class firsthand," said McElwain.

Anyone can nominate their favorite music teacher online through this Friday, March 18, 2022. Each month a praiseworthy music teacher and a performance from their band, choir or orchestra will be heard on 94.5 KOOL-FM. The winning teacher's students will receive a pizza party and a check of $1,000 for the music program. To learn more about Mrs. McElwain and her class from Val Vista Academy, please click here.

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