Virginia Music Educators Association honors two inspiring educators

The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) recognized Andrew Sheloski, band teacher at Woodbridge Middle School, and Taryn Wood, strings teacher at Woodbridge High School, for their contributions to music education.

Sheloski received the 2025 VMEA Beginning Music Teacher Award for District IX for his efforts to revitalize the band program, improve scheduling, and create engaging opportunities for students.

“Every action we take as educators can ripple outward, impacting students, their families, and their communities,” shared Sheloski. “Teaching music allows me to share not only my love for the art itself but also my compassion for life and the people who make it meaningful.”

Sheloski also goes beyond his classroom to champion music across the school division. He supports programs like the PWCS indoor drumline and the Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School marching band. Through participation in events such as marching band and concert band assessments, district band, and solo and ensemble, Sheloski ensures students can experience the full breadth of the music community.

Similarly, Wood was honored with the 2025 VMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award, a testament to her leadership and impact on music education.

With more than a decade of continuous teaching in Virginia, Wood has built a program where her students consistently achieve at high levels, and her leadership has earned professional and program recognition across the Commonwealth.

“I am the music educator I am today because of the mentors and teachers I had growing up. They showed me what a great music educator is and what it means to be a teacher,” shared Wood. “I want all students to feel and be connected to each other through their passions and have the experience of putting all of their different art forms together to create a full performance.”

Wood has introduced a comprehensive digital rubric and scoring system for band and orchestra auditions, revolutionizing the process by making it faster, more reliable, and providing students with clearer, more constructive feedback.

Wood and Sheloski embody dedication, leadership, and a passion for music. Their achievements remind us that behind every great performance is an educator who inspires, nurtures, and leads with vision and heart.

VMEA’s purpose is to promote quality music education across Virginia by providing leadership, instructional resources, and professional development opportunities for music educators throughout the state.