Jerrod Walters never dreamed of a career in education, though his recent success as the music teacher at Riley Elementary School would indicate otherwise.

Admired by his peers and students alike, he was recently selected as the school’s Teacher of the Year. Though he’s relatively new to the position, he has proven himself in just two years as a faculty member. 

In that time, Walters has drawn heavily on his background in music which began in middle school with piano. As a college student at Florida A&M University, he played alto saxophone in the Marching 100 and was a member of FAMU’s symphonic band, jazz band, gospel choir, and concert choir.

Even with all his experience as a musician, he leans on fellow music educators to learn best instructional practices. “I get a lot of help from my colleagues, and they are so generous with their knowledge and expertise,” Walters said.  “I can’t do it without these people.”

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