Many excellent educators overcome personal adversity in order to improve the lives of their students. One of these is Andrew Arnold, a music educator at Shoreline Junior High School in Layton, Utah. He has garnered a 2023 UEA/Clark and Christina Ivory Foundation Excellence in Teaching award.

Andrew has overcome a great deal of personal adversity in order to be in the classroom. In fact, he overcame a spinal cord injury that initially left him unable to walk. Today, he depends on his grit and perseverance to inspire students in a thriving band program at Shoreline Junior High School in the Davis School District. He actively supports his students, ensuring they all have access to instruments, regardless of their financial circumstances.

For his work with young people, Andrew was one of ten educators recognized with a 2023 UEA/Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation Excellence in Teaching award during the KeyBank Superstars in Education banquet. Award recipients were selected for their impact on individual students or groups of students. Each winner received a crystal trophy and a check for $1,500, from the award sponsor, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation.

To learn more about Andrew Arnold, view the three-minute YouTube video below: