As a music educator, my guiding principle is: if you believe in students, they will believe in themselves. You must arm them with the self-confidence and inner drive to reach their full potential on their own volition. This isn’t always an easy task.

When I learned of Mickey Smith Jr. and his mindset, I was uplifted. As a source of inspiration for the music education community, Mickey encourages us all to “keep on going!” Educators must push for purpose in their lessons and approach the classroom with “mindfulness, resilience, and significance.”

As a motivational speaker, musician, and the 2020 Grammy® Music Award Winning Educator of the Year, Mickey’s knowledge, and passion for music is endless. After his tenure at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, LA, he is now the music director at the Greene School in West  ...