Worcester Teacher Named 2026 Central MA Middle School Music Educator Of The Year

WORCESTER, MA — A middle school teacher in Worcester has earned a regional award this year.

Andrea Cook, a music teacher at Burncoat Middle School, was recently named the 2026 Central Massachusetts Middle School Music Educator of the Year. The award, granted by the Central District of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, which is dedicated to promoting music education in Central Massachusetts.

The award was presented during the CDMMEA Senior Festival Concert at Mechanics Hall on Jan. 17. A school district record 36 Worcester Public Schools students performed there. The CDMMEA is a regional affiliate of the Massachusetts Music Educators Program and the National Association for Music Education.

Cook has been with WPS since 2010 and joined Burncoat Middle School in 2017. She teaches general music, chorus, and a music magnet class. She has also helped shape district-wide music education.

Cook created a ukulele curriculum that introduces students to learning a musical instrument. Cook said the curriculum has expanded into rock drumming, guitars, electric bass, pianos, and marimas.

Cook credits her colleagues in WPS, and in particular those in the H-Wing of Burncoat Middle School, for continuing to inspire her while working together.

“I think there's nothing more fulfilling than getting to live in this little hallway - the H-wing. My colleagues Kellie Shea, Justine Penucci, Meredith Lord, are some of the best colleagues that I've had the pleasure of working with,” Cook said. “It’s really special to see our students work together as a team, and for us as adults to do the same."

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