Charissa Duncanson: a national award becomes instruments for every student

FERNDALE. Charissa Duncanson, who teaches music at Ferndale Upper Elementary, returned to Nashville Oct. 7 as a Legacy honoree of the Country Music Association Foundation's Music Teacher of Excellence Award. She first won the national honor in 2024, the first Michigan teacher to do so. It carried $5,000 for her classroom and professional learning opportunities.

Duncanson used the money to buy instruments so students don't have to share, giving each one hands on access to a music making tool. "My biggest goal is for my students to know that they each bring unique gifts to our classroom and that their contributions matter," she said.