Frost School Honors Alumna and GRAMMY Educator of the Year

Jennifer Jimenez, a 2003 graduate, was recognized for her transformative impact as a music teacher.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a gleaming, golden trophy or award statuette, its surface reflecting dramatic studio lighting and capturing the glamour and significance of the GRAMMY Educator of the Year honor.The GRAMMY Educator of the Year award, a symbol of Jennifer Jimenez's transformative impact as a music teacher, shines with the prestige of her accomplishment.Today in Miami

Leaders and faculty at the Frost School of Music and the University of Miami paid tribute to alumna Jennifer Jimenez, who was named the 2026 GRAMMY Educator of the Year. Jimenez, who has taught at South Miami High School for 19 years, was honored at a special reception and concert for her exemplary work in music education and her continued mentorship of current Frost students.

Why it matters

Jimenez's achievement as GRAMMY Educator of the Year represents the Frost School's commitment to cultivating musicians who are both artistically excellent and deeply dedicated to teaching. As an alumna, Jimenez's success and continued engagement with the school underscores the lasting impact of the Frost School's music education program.

The details

Jennifer Jimenez, a 2003 music education graduate of the Frost School, was recognized as the 2026 GRAMMY Educator of the Year in January. On Saturday, the Frost School and University of Miami held a special reception and concert to honor Jimenez's accomplishments. Jimenez, who has taught at South Miami High School for 19 years, was praised for her transformative impact on her students and her continued mentorship of current Frost music education students.

  • Jimenez was named the 2026 GRAMMY Educator of the Year in January.
  • The Frost School and University of Miami held a reception and concert to honor Jimenez on Saturday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Jimenez

A 2003 music education graduate of the Frost School of Music who was named the 2026 GRAMMY Educator of the Year. She has taught at South Miami High School for 19 years and regularly mentors current Frost music education students.

Frost School of Music

The music school at the University of Miami that shaped Jimenez's career as a transformative music educator.

University of Miami

The university that houses the Frost School of Music and hosted the reception and concert to honor Jimenez.

Don Coffman

Professor and chair of the Department of Music Education at the Frost School, who praised Jimenez's recognition as a powerful affirmation of the school's values.

Catleya Sornmayura

A 2014 Frost School graduate who attended and played in the band at South Miami High under Jimenez's direction, inspiring her to pursue a career in music.

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What they’re saying

“Great teachers become great teachers because they have great teachers. Being at the Frost School and around the faculty was indelible for me.”

— Jennifer Jimenez, 2026 GRAMMY Educator of the Year

“Jennifer Jimenez's recognition is a powerful affirmation of what we strive to cultivate at the Frost School of Music Department of Music Education: musicians who are artistically excellent, deeply committed to teaching, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.”

— Don Coffman, Professor and Chair, Department of Music Education, Frost School of Music

“The experience skyrocketed my passion for music.”

— Catleya Sornmayura, B.M. '14, Frost School of Music

What’s next

Jimenez will continue her work as a music educator at South Miami High School, mentoring the next generation of Frost School students.

The takeaway

The Frost School of Music's commitment to cultivating exceptional music educators like Jennifer Jimenez has had a lasting impact, as evidenced by her GRAMMY recognition and continued engagement with the school as a mentor and role model.