Great teachers change lives every day. At United Charter High Schools (UCHS), one of them is being recognized on a national stage for the magic our students witness in his classroom daily.
Advanced Math & Science (AMS) music teacher Michael Alfieri has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2027 Music Educator Award, to be presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. The award honors educators who make a lasting contribution to music education. Alfieri was one of just 202 quarterfinalists chosen from more than 2,100 nominations across the country.
For Alfieri, the honor is about more than the spotlight.
“It’s nice to be recognized, but I’m most excited about the opportunities this could create for my students,” he said. “Having the support of the Grammys shows that what we are building at AMS is exceptional.” He sees the recognition as a reflection of the work happening across UCHS to uplift the arts in our communities.
Why the Arts Matter
Alfieri believes music does more than fill a class period. “The world is always changing, and music helps students connect, adapt, and express themselves,” he said. “It is part of human history and existence.” It also strengthens learning across subjects, he explained, because it helps students think, create, and make meaning in different ways.
His goal reaches beyond notes and rhythms. “I want students to leave my class happy,” he said. “Beyond music, I hope they gain a stronger sense of what they can do in the world and how they can make positive change. If they leave more motivated, curious, or creative, that is a wonderful success.”
That growth shows up in the students themselves. Playing in a band, Alfieri says, challenges students to collaborate, problem-solve, cooperate, and express themselves with confidence – all skills that fall within the UCHS Portrait of a Graduate. “They look out for one another, and the outcome is always fun.”
The culture he’s most proud of is one his students built. This year, they performed original songs at the first annual UCHS Art Showcase. Others explored jazz through a workshop on John Coltrane before visiting the Manhattan School of Music. The Rock Band has matured into a seasoned group, and a new Jazz combo just got its start.
For many students, Alfieri says, music is the reason they are excited to come to school. Alfieri’s exceptional teaching builds confidence and creativity while sparking the joy of discovery. At UCHS, that is exactly the kind of learning we celebrate.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
