Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Debbie Stegner, who is in her 11^th year at Glendover Elementary School, has been named the state’s Elementary Music Teacher of the Year.

“What a well-deserved honor. We appreciate all she does to make Glendover shine,” Principal Cathy Fine said.

Stegner will collect her award Feb. 6 at the Kentucky Music Educators Association’s professional conference in Louisville. KMEA also will honor her April 24 at  Glendover’s spring concert.

“It was voted on by my peers, so that makes it even more special that they recognize the work that you’re doing,” said Stegner, who previously taught one year in Madison County and 23 in McCreary County.

In addition to teaching music and leading the chorus at Glendover, Stegner is in her seventh year as coordinator of the Kentucky all-state children’s chorus.

This veteran educator, who always sets high expectations for her kids, offered this simple tip for new music teachers: “Love what you’re doing, and enjoy your students.”

“The most important thing is to be certain you have a firm grasp of the content you are teaching and to be prepared for each class. If you love teaching and your students, they will know that and respond likewise,” she said. “My desire has always been to permit my students to experience music to the fullest and give them a foundation that will enable them to enjoy music for the rest of their lives.”