Doby’s Mill Elementary music teacher Helen Walker is one of 25 music teachers from across the country to be selected as a semifinalist for the 2019 Music Educator Award by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.

Selected from more than 2,800 initial nominations, the award recognizes teachers for making a lasting impact on students and music education. The winner will be announced during Grammy Week 2019.

Walker was the 2011 Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year and one of five finalists for the 2012 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

A music teacher with KCSD since 2000, she also has taught at Baron DeKalb, Pine Tree Hill and Jackson elementary schools during her career. Walker has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wolverhampton University and a Master of Education degree from Francis Marion University. She is national board certified in elementary music as well as Orff and Music Learning Theory certified.

 “My primary goal as an educator is to bestow upon my students knowledge and a love for music,” said Walker. “I would like to share with them a lifelong gift of playing, creating and enjoying music recreationally and/or professionally.”

As a semi-finalist, Walker receives a $500 honorarium as well as $500 for Doby’s Mill’s music program.