Greenfield Junior High Music Teacher, Sara Duce, Honored as CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence

GILBERT, Ariz. (October 1, 2025) – Greenfield Junior High’s Sara Duce, a Music Strings and Orchestra teacher, has been named a 2025 Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation. Duce is one of only 30 recipients nationwide selected from hundreds of nominees for demonstrating excellence in instructional quality, innovation, leadership, and student success. Notably, she is the only 2025 recipient in the Southwest region of the United States and only the second Arizona recipient in the award’s 9-year history.

The CMA Foundation's Music Teacher of Excellence program recognizes and celebrates educators who exemplify excellence in the field. Each honoree receives a $5,000 award, split evenly, with $2,500 for use in her classroom and $2,500 for personal use. Sara Duce says she will use the program funds to upgrade instruments and invite musical artists to her classroom, exposing her students to various musical genres.

The 2025 class of honorees was recently invited to Nashville, Tennessee for professional development sessions, a red-carpet event, and a gala celebration at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The winners also received additional invitations to the upcoming Country Music Awards on November 19, 2025.

“I was absolutely shocked and elated. This is my 26th year building the strings program here at Greenfield Junior High, and to be seen and heard in this way by a national organization like the CMA Foundation is an incredible honor," said Sara Duce. "I am so proud of our students for being willing to invest in a craft that takes hard work and time. The support from the CMA Foundation, combined with our strong community, helps us continue to inspire their love of music.”

In a shared press release, CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns said, “Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day. These teachers are leaders, mentors, and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, ‘We’re with you.’”

Duce attributes her success to the Greenfield Junior High music programs, her students, and the collective support of her community and colleagues. First, Duce says she is incredibly thankful to her students for being dedicated and pushing themselves to become better artists. She then credits the music educators at Greenfield Junior High’s feeder schools for preparing highly enthusiastic students who are ready to learn. Finally, Duce thanks the school’s booster association, which supports major initiatives, including multi-year trips for students to participate in.

To learn more about Music Education at Greenfield Junior High and across Gilbert Public Schools, visit GilbertSchools.net/Music.