Congratulations to Justin Fraser, a Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) Music Specialist, on receiving the Canadian Music Educators Association Builders Award for Newer Teachers. The award recognizes those who advance music education in any Canadian province through building community or establishing significant collaborative efforts.
Justin teaches guitar at École Varennes, École Marie-Anne Gaboury, and Collège Béliveau.
"Working within the popular music education paradigm, I have the immense privilege of facilitating learning experiences through meaningful, authentic, and relevant music," said Justin.
The individual student is at the centre of the learning process in his classes. Justin informs his work through a research-based approach.
"Pursuing equity and justice is central to my teaching," said Justin. "It is inspiring exploring these themes with my students as we work to imagine and construct a more equitable and just world in and through music education."
He uses music and musicians as powerful tools to highlight these and other social ideas.
"I am humbled to be acknowledged this way," said Justin. "None of my work as an advocate for the joyful, life-giving, and transformative nature of music education would be possible without the collaboration and support of various colleagues, mentors, peers, and friends."
Justin participates in several professional organizations that focus on education and equity initiatives. He is the Louis Riel Teachers' Association rep at his school, a member of People for Public Ed, and serves as the Manitoba Music Educators Association rep for the Manitoba Classroom Guitar Association.
Justin is pursuing his Master of Education degree at the University of Manitoba.
