Richmond school choir teacher nominated for music educator award

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond school choir teacher has been nominated for the 2026 Music Educator Award and has become a quarterfinalist.

The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have announced the quarterfinalists for the annual Music Educator Award, for which John Marshall High School and Armstrong High School choir teacher James Johnson has been nominated.

According to the Grammys, a total of 200 music teachers from 180 cities are currently running for the award, with more than 2,000 initial nominations for the award submitted.

The semi-finalists for the award will be announced in September, and the final recipient of the award will be honored during GRAMMY Week 2026, days ahead of the 2026 GRAMMYs.

"This national honor is truly humbling, but regardless of the final outcome, I already feel like a winner because I have the privilege to serve in the finest district in Virginia with the most exceptional students in the world," Johnson said in an email sent to 8News. "I am grateful for your continued support and for allowing me to serve at the two high schools I love so dearly, Armstrong and John Marshall."