Houston High Choir Director Kinsey Healy Named CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence

Selected from a highly competitive pool of educators across the country, Healy was recognized for her exceptional leadership in music education, her impact on students, and her contributions to the broader music education community. As part of the honor, Houston High’s choir program will also receive a $2,500 classroom grant from the CMA Foundation.

The national recognition comes during the 10th anniversary year of the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence program, which celebrates educators who are shaping the future of music education through innovation, collaboration, and student-centered instruction.

Since joining Houston High in 2018, Healy has built a choral program known for both artistic excellence and strong student relationships. Her classroom philosophy centers on helping students feel valued, challenged, and connected through music.

“Kinsey inspires her choir students through her calm, positive presence and her ability to create a classroom where creativity feels natural and encouraged,” said Ted Fuller, GMSD Fine Arts supervisor. “She leads with patience and purpose, helping students grow in confidence while fostering an environment where thoughtful collaboration and beautiful music can thrive.”

Healy’s impact extends far beyond Houston High’s choir room. She leads an annual Choral Exchange with local high schools, directs an All Southwest Honor Choir Audition Preparation Workshop for students across the region, co-directs a Masterworks Concert, and collaborates annually with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra.

She also serves as secretary for the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association and co-chair of the All Southwest Senior High Honor Choir. In addition, she presents professional development sessions for fellow educators and mentors future music teachers through the University of Memphis.

Her colleagues say the recognition is well deserved.

“What never fails to stand out is her ability to welcome, connect with, and encourage every single student,” said Houston Middle director of choirs T.J. Timmerman. “My singers always leave rehearsals led by Kinsey feeling so excited for the future. She creates a space where they truly belong.”

Houston High Orchestra Director Stephen Short praised Healy’s ability to challenge students while helping them grow artistically.

“Kinsey is a master at bringing out the highest level of musicianship in her students,” Short said. “Students in her class express a desire to improve and grow, and that is due to her leadership and teaching style.”

Houston High Band Director Kevin Carpenter noted that Healy’s influence reaches students and educators across Tennessee.

“Her students are pushed every day in ways that enrich them artistically, socially, and academically,” Carpenter said. “All of us are so proud to get to work with someone as exceptional as Mrs. Healy.”

Healy will travel to Nashville in October for the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence celebration, which includes a national teacher summit and recognition event honoring 30 outstanding music educators from across the country.

For GMSD students, families, and fellow educators, the award reflects what they already know: Kinsey Healy is helping students find their voices and inspiring them to use them with confidence.