Alumnus, New York State Teacher of the Year Arenz to lead workshop on campus
Zach Arenz and his students ready to have some ukulele fun at Flower City School 54 in Rochester, NY.
Students majoring in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia will have a rare opportunity to learn from the very best when the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year and SUNY Fredonia alumnus Zachary “Zach” Arenz returns to campus to lead a workshop.
The workshop, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m., in Mason Hall Room 1075, is free and open to all students and faculty. A continental style breakfast will be served.
“Zach will be presenting on how he’s navigated challenges he’s faced as a music educator in an urban setting and the meaningful relationships he has built with his students, followed by a question-and-answer session,” said Taylor Kelly, a junior Music Education major from Bellport, NY, and president of the Fredonia chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the workshop sponsor.
Mr. Arenz teaches music at Flower City School 54, in Rochester, NY. He earned his B.M. (2010) and M.M. (2012), both in Music Education, and was a member of the bassoon studio with Professor Laura Koepke.
He’s described by colleagues as someone who demonstrates dedication, commitment, competence and love. Prior to joining the Rochester City School District, Arenz taught classroom music in Sweden to students in grades 7 to 9 and mentored students in grade 9 to prepare for high school and career opportunities by creating academic and social goals.
The Teacher of the Year Program is administered by the New York State Education Department and sponsored by NYSUT and other teacher organizations. It is run in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
