Melissa Flores

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

My first full-time job was coordinating educational orchestra concerts for a nonprofit, where I witnessed students arrive with awe and leave buzzing with excitement. I wanted to go with them—to see how their experiences grew beyond the concert hall. This pull led me to teach in the classroom, where I could help cultivate safety, joy, and connection through music, ensuring that their spark of inspiration continued to grow.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In my early years of teaching, a student asked, ‘Why is the music we hear in class different from what we hear outside of it?’ Her words reshaped my teaching, inspiring me to blend folk traditions with familiar songs so students could see themselves reflected in the curriculum. This moment ignited my passion for incorporating pop music, helping my students, fellow educators, and their students connect musical learning to their lives and the world around them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning this award would allow me to expand access to music education by providing resources and mentorship so all students can thrive. It would help develop new programs, reach more communities, and create a lasting impact. My education has allowed me to make music with thousands of students and support fellow teachers. By easing my student loan debt, I can fully dedicate myself to this mission—helping students find their voice and creating meaningful musical experiences.