The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2017 Teacher of the Year Award to Mr. Michael Alexander. Mr. Alexander will receive this award at the Collinsville Chamber Community Awards Night on Wednesday, October 18th at the Gateway Center.
Photograph by Brian Muñoz / www.brianmmunoz.com
Mr. Alexander is the director of the Collinsville Middle School Band and has been in Collinsville area schools since 2004. As the director of the CMS Band, Mr. Alexander has seen the band continue to increase its tradition of excellence and increase opportunities for the band in playing opportunities in surrounding communities. As of 2017, the CMS Band has earned 27 consecutive “First Superior” ratings at state-level IGSMA Organizational Contests. Mr. Alexander’s work and dedication is reflected in the students he teaches as he works with performance groups 3-4 nights a week and a robust summer band program.
Mr. Alexander is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and is currently enrolled in the Master’s in Music Education program through EIU and plans on graduating with his MA in the Fall of 2018. Special honors and recognitions of Mr. Alexander include: 2017 Musical Educator Quarterfinalist (National Association of Music Education), Founder of the Monroe County Band Festival, Band Clinician for the Columbia Middle School Band, St. Clair County Band Festival Junior High Band, Band Clinician for the Waterloo Junior High Band, ILMEA District VI Junior High Band Chair 2016-2017 and Founding Member of the Madison County Jazz Festival.
The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce awards the Teacher of the Year to recognize the important contributions that teachers make in the Collinsville community. Their efforts are a key component in shaping the community. This is just one of many awards presented at Collinsville Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Night. Other recognitions include Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Progress in Action Award, Small Business of the Year, Corporate Citizen and Spirit of Excellence. The Community Awards Night event will be held October 18 at Gateway Center in Collinsville.
The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce promotes, supports, and represents Collinsville area businesses and community interests with over 350 members. Since 1928, the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded major efforts to enhance the community and increase its attractiveness as an important place to live, play, invest and do business. For more information see www.discovercollinsville.com