CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- For Elizabeth Bennett, music has always been her destiny.
"My mother's side of the family is very musical. I started playing piano, then I picked up violin and bassoon," she said.
She's been a musician and singer her whole life, and has been Director of Orchestras at Buffalo Grove High School since 2008. She shares her love for music with more than 150 students each week.
"When I received the email nomination, I said 'oh, this is a thing, this is amazing,'"she said.
Bennett was nominated by a former student.
The annual Music Educator Award recognizes teachers who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
"Music allows our brains to process in a different way. It allows young people to express themselves that words can't, that science can't. Music can connect like nothing else can," Bennett said.
In a time, when many school districts are forced to cut the arts, Bennett said she's on a mission to change that culture.
"I used to always fight for the arts, but I'm not going to fight for them, because we need to embrace them and making it so obvious that they are necessary within our school systems, so it would never occur to cut them, so I try to make it essential in every student's life," she said.
Freshman Tyler Lieu said the nomination is such a huge honor for her.
"I think she deserves it. I can tell she has a real passion for music and helping students learn and appreciate it for what it is," he said.
Each year, one recipient is selected from the 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students' lives.
For Bennett, whether she wins or not, she hopes to bring more attention to the importance of music education.
Bennett said she's keeping next week open, but is mum about if or when she'll find out the results.
"It'll be really exciting to experience. I'll find out with all of you, so watch the Grammy's on January 26," Bennett said.
Nominations for the 2021 Music Educator Award are now open at www.grammymusicteacher.com