A music teacher at Flower City School Number 54 in Rochester has been named the New York State Education Department’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.
According to the Education Department, Zachary Arenz embodies the power of the arts. In addition to his traditional music classes, he also teaches ensembles and instrumental lessons and has developed a music enrichment program for students who are experiencing grief. Arenz is described as being not only a model leader for his students but also a dynamic example of excellence and motivation for his colleagues.
Before teaching at Flower City School Number 54, Mr. Arenz taught classroom music in Sweden to students in grades 7-9 and mentored students in grade 9 to prepare for high school and career opportunities by creating academic and social goals. He holds several music and arts certificates, as well as a certificate in therapeutic crisis intervention for schools.
Teacher of the Year is the oldest and most prestigious teacher recognition program in the nation. Each year, New York selects an exceptionally skilled and passionate educator to be an ambassador for New York State teachers and to serve as New York’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.
