Nepean High School music teacher has been nominated for the Music Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced at the 2025 Juno Awards in Vancouver this Sunday.
Jeannie Hunter has poured her heart into teaching music for three decades. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) teacher told CTV Morning Live Friday she became overwhelmed when she knew about the nomination for the award. Hunter adds that the people she’s been nominated with are outstanding music teachers from across the country.
“I can’t believe I get to be one of them,” Hunter said. “I’m a huge Canadian music fan.”
Hunter’s family, including her husband, son and sister are all in Vancouver this weekend to support her. She notes that her son is also a music student at McGill University.
“Maybe the next time I’ll be here will be for him,” she said.
Her students are also excited about the nomination, she says. Her passion in teaching music comes from the kids she teaches, she adds, noting that they’re like a big family.
“It’s all about the kids. Year-to-year I get to work with the same kids, and we have this great connection, and we get to live with them for four years,” she added. “We plan together, we travel together, (and) we have rehearsals at ridiculous early hours of the morning.”
According to the OCDSB, the MusiCounts Teachers of the Year Award, presented by the music education charity MusiCounts, shines a spotlight on educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower students through music.
Some musicians from the Ottawa area, such as Juno Award-winning, multi-nominee singer, songwriter and speaker Kellylee Evans, will also attend the ceremony.
Canada’s biggest night in music will take place at the Rogers Centre in Vancouver and will be hosted by Michael Bublé. It will include performances from Aqyila, Josh ross, Memahsis, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Tia Wood, and Sum 41.
The 2026 Juno Awards will be hosted in Hamilton as part of a $1.5 million investment by the province of Ontario to boost Ontario’s music industry. It will run from March 26 to March 29 at the newly renovated Hamilton Arena.
“Ontario’s music industry is an important economic driver, contributing hundreds of millions in revenue and boosting cultural tourism in communities across the province,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government is proud to support the 2026 Junos in Hamilton. Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the very best of our homegrown musical talent and boost Canadian culture during this critical time.”
The annual Juno Awards are produced by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) to recognize Canadian achievements in music and include a weeklong series of themed events.
More information is available here.
