Wydown Middle School and Clayton High School Instrumental and Band teacher Mike Kanaan is the recipient of the St. Louis Suburban Music Educator Award for 2020-2021.

"I have been teaching music education for the School District of Clayton for 17 years and am humbled by this great honor," Kanaan said. "It's been an amazing journey and the passion I have for teaching my students and watching them develop musically is just remarkable."

• Someone in the St. Louis Suburban area that is dedicated to the musical welfare and musical growth of all students. 
• Someone who has had a broad scope of experiences as a music educator, who values music education at all levels of achievement.
• Someone who is not content with their present level of instruction, but continues the search and study for improved techniques of musical presentation and experiences for all students.
• Someone who has been a member of at least one professional organization (i.e. MENC, MMEA, SLSMEA, ACDA, IAJE, ASTA, NBA, etc.)
• Someone who has served as an officer in a professional organization through election or appointment, written professional articles, organized and participated in clinics and festivals, served as an adjudicator and is seen as an innovator.

SLSMEA is the professional organization for music educators for member schools of EducationPlus. It sponsors numerous festivals throughout the year which include Large Ensemble Music Festival for Bands, Orchestra, and Choirs; Solo and Ensemble Music Festival for Band, Orchestra, and Choir; and Honor Group Ensembles for Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs for high school, middle school and elementary students.