The East Meadow School District is proud to announce that East Meadow High School music teacher Patricia Dunn was awarded the Established Educator Award at this year's New York State School Music Association Winter Conference.
This distinction is awarded to music educators at the local level who have been in the field for at least 10 years. Ms. Dunn has dedicated approximately 20 years of her life to education, spending the last 17 years serving the East Meadow School District. Over this time, Ms. Dunn has become a cornerstone of the district’s music program, both at the middle and high school levels. During the Winter Conference, NYSSMA President Edmund Chiarello spoke about her journey and how it has shaped her career while impacting the lives of countless students.
“Ms. Dunn exemplifies the qualities of the Established Educator Award through her dedication, innovation, and passion for music education,” Mr. Chiarello said. “Her supervisors noted that she has an incredible ability to break down complex musical concepts, ensuring that each student feels successful, whether in a small group lesson, or a large ensemble setting.”
Ms. Dunn’s commitment to nurturing and fostering musical talent led her to establish an auditioned Wind Ensemble program at the Woodland Middle School, an initiative that continues to thrive 15 years later. As with many music educators, Ms. Dunn has faced numerous changes over the course of her career, including a significant transition to a new building when she joined East Meadow High School in 2020. Her response was to invest and take on new roles in teaching and leadership.
“Her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and take on the role of color guard instructor without prior experience is a clear indicator of her growth mindset and passion for education,” Mr. Chiarello said.
Additionally, Ms. Dunn supported students organizing “caw-fee tawks” during the pandemic to connect with her students during lunch. During those meetings, she fostered relationships that made her students feel valued and appreciated. Ms. Dunn was also recognized for her work and leadership in the music departments at W.T. Clarke Middle School and W.T Clarke High School.
“She consistently sets high expectations for her students, knowing that they excel and thrive in an environment where they are pushed to reach their full potential,” Mr. Chiarello said.
The district congratulates Ms. Dunn on earning this prestigious award at this year’s NYSSMA Winter Conference.
