Ms. Jillian Caci, music teacher at Newburgh Free Academy Main campus was recognized as ‘outstanding teacher’ by The Academy for Teachers. Ms. Caci was invited to participate in The Academy’s master class “Choral Conducting” led by Francisco Núñez, a composer, conductor, and the founder and artistic director of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.

Teachers selected for Academy for Teachers master classes show passion for their subjects, creativity in their classrooms, and devotion to their students.

“These teachers are exceptional,” said Sam Swope, president of The Academy for Teachers. “We only invite 18 teachers to each class, so being selected is a well-deserved honor for both teacher and school.”

The Academy's master classes bring outstanding teachers together with leading experts, intellectuals, and artists for a day of high-level instruction and inspiration, enabling teachers to return to their classrooms re-energized. New York City’s great institutions host the classes, joining The Academy for Teachers in proclaiming that teachers deserve the time and attention of our culture’s best and brightest.

Aside from teaching music at NFA, Ms. Caci conducts the Cecile Chaminade Treble Choir, A Cappella Chorus, and Madrigals.

Teachers invited to participate in a master class become Fellows of The Academy for Teachers and join a growing community of the metropolitan area’s strongest educators.

In December of 2017, GAMS music teacher, Mrs. Karin McCartney was nominated as a fellow of the National Academy of Teachers. Mrs. McCartney attended a day-long seminar with a world-renown puppeteer, Basil Twist. Mrs. McCartney has incorporated inspiration from that workshop into a Puppet Pals Program that she now offers as part of the 21st Century After-School Program at GAMS.   

Once you are a fellow of the Academy, you are eligible to nominate a colleague for a workshop Session.  Mrs.  McCartney nominated Ms. Caci to attend a session with Fransisco Nunez, a composer and conductor of choral music. 

As a result of Ms. Caci’s participation in the master class, this spring, Ms. Caci conducted the A Cappella Chorus to Es To Tiempo, composed by Francisco Núñez. Mrs. McCartney accompanied on piano.

A video of that performance can be listened to below.