Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School’s dedicated and dynamic director of bands, has struck a powerful chord on the national stage — earning not one, but two prestigious honors for her outstanding contributions to music education. Recently, she was named one of the top 30 music teachers in the United States by the Country Music Award (CMA) Foundation through its esteemed Music Teachers of Excellence program. In addition, she is in the running for another major accolade: the 2026 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum. Out of 2,000 nominations nationwide, Dr. Spangler was selected as one of just 200 quarterfinalists advancing in the GRAMMY Award process.

Dr. Spangler began leading Mt. Vernon’s band program in the fall of 2023. With 27 years of teaching experience, she expressed deep appreciation for the recognition. “It was a great surprise and a true honor to be included among such exceptional educators,” she said.

Before arriving at Mt. Vernon, Dr. Spangler taught at several Indiana high schools, including Triton Central, Shortridge, and Bremen. She most recently taught as the band director at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Her passion, leadership, and dedication to student musicians have placed her among the nation’s finest educators, drawing well-deserved recognition for her contributions both in the classroom and beyond.

Dr. Spangler has been instrumental in growing and enriching Mt. Vernon’s music program, creating a space where students thrive both artistically and personally. Her leadership and passion have made music a central part of the student experience, and this recognition reflects the lasting impact she has had on our school and beyond.

MVHS Principal Brooke Tharp shared, “We’re thrilled about both her CMA recognition and her GRAMMY nomination,” Tharp said. “She brings incredible expertise and dedication to our school every day and we’re happy to have her sharing her experience with our students every day.”

Dr. Spangler will be formally celebrated by the CMA Foundation on September 10 at its annual gala in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the only educator from Indiana selected this year, joining a group of honorees from 11 states across the country. The event highlights music educators making a powerful difference in their communities, with support from leaders in both education and the music industry. 

As part of the honor, each recipient receives $5,000—half for personal use and half to invest in their classroom or music program. Awardees also gain access to a full year of professional development and special opportunities, including CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.

In a letter confirming her selection, the CMA Foundation applauded Dr. Spangler’s community efforts, such as founding the Indianapolis Wind Ensemble to support students from smaller schools. They also highlighted her emphasis on mentoring new teachers, promoting social-emotional learning, and her mission to help every student develop a love for music.

Tiffany Kerns, the CMA Foundation’s executive director, emphasized the importance of the award, saying, “Music Teachers of Excellence is about spotlighting those who are transforming students’ lives through music.”

In addition to the CMA Foundation honor, Dr. Spangler’s excellence has also been recognized by one of the most iconic names in music. She has been named one of 200 quarterfinalists nationwide for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, chosen from a pool of 2,000 nominations. Semifinalists will be announced this September, with the winner revealed during GRAMMY Week 2026, just before the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards. 

Presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award honors exceptional teachers who have made a significant difference in students’ lives and the field of music education. Now in its twelfth year, the award celebrates educators who inspire, innovate, and elevate music programs in their schools and communities.

This national award recognizes outstanding music teachers from kindergarten through college who demonstrate a lasting commitment to music education and its impact on students.
The ultimate recipient will be flown to Los Angeles to take part in GRAMMY Week festivities, including attending the awards ceremony.

Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is incredibly proud of Dr. Spangler’s remarkable achievements and the well-earned national recognition she has received. Her passion for music education, unwavering dedication to students, and pursuit of excellence reflect the very best of what MVCSC stands for. These prestigious recognitions from both the CMA Foundation and the GRAMMY Awards affirm what our community already knows— that Dr. Spangler is a truly exceptional educator making a lasting impact. We celebrate her continued success and the inspiration she brings to the classroom, the stage, and beyond.