Colorado State University Music Education major Leah Dunphey ('FA24 anticipated graduation) was one of two CSU students named to the Colorado Department of Higher Education's 2024 Future Educator Honor Roll.

According to the department's website, the sixth annual Future Educator Honor Roll celebrated 66 outstanding teacher candidates from Colorado's educator preparation programs. (cdhe.colorado.gov)

"Leah is among the top music education students we have ever had at CSU," said Dr. Erik Johnson, associate professor of music. "Her engagement with the community sets her apart."

Leah has taught in the CSU SPUR Music Lab and held numerous leadership roles in the Department of Music's Trying-on-Teaching/Middle School Outreach Ensembles program. In April, she was also recognized with the 2024 CSU Exceptional Achievement in Community Engaged Learning (student category) for her work serving hundreds of K-12 musicians in the community.

"Leah's ability to engage students, create meaningful and lasting connections to enrich students' lives, and always embrace a growth mindset are prime examples of how she redefines the bar for what teaching excellence in her generation looks like," said Johnson.

Leah has played in CSU's Wind Symphony, the University Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado State Marching Band and was a member of the horn studio. This fall, she will complete her student teaching requirement before graduating.

Leah Dunphey candidate video

"Educators are training the next generation of artists, engineers, scientists, and health professionals that will power our economy and enliven our communities. They truly make all other professions possible. We want all teachers and administrators—and especially our young educators—to know Coloradans support and appreciate their invaluable work," said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, about the honor roll.