Northbrook Teacher 'Humbled' As Grammy Award Semifinalist

NORTHBROOK, IL — Jeremy Bartunek, a music teacher at Greenbriar School, is no stranger to receiving awards and accolades as part of his profession. Three years ago, he received a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching award. On Wednesday, the founder and director of the District 28 Children’s Choir was named a semifinalist for the Music Educator Award, an annual award presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.

"I am deeply humbled and immensely grateful for the nomination of the Grammy Music Educator Award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible journey of teaching music and the passion that I share with my students," Bartunek said. "I stand on the shoulders of educators who have inspired me, and this nomination is a reflection of their dedication and skill."

Bartunek, who said he continues to learn from his students every day, is one of 25 semifinalists from across the U.S. who were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 nominations. The award supports and celebrates music education and music educators across the U.S.

According to the district, 10 finalists will be announced in December and the ultimate recipient of the 2024 Music Educator Award will be recognized during Grammy Week 2024, days ahead of the 2024 Grammys.

"I'm very proud of Jeremy and appreciative of the hard work he puts into creating a safe and inspiring place for children to develop a love for music," Greenbriar Principal Dr. Ginny Hiltz said. "He is surrounded by colleagues who support and believe in the importance of the arts in education and we all congratulate him on this honor."

In addition to teaching general music at Greenbriar, Bartunek is founder and director of the District 28 Children’s Choir, which includes students from all three district elementary schools.