Congratulations to Ellyses Kuan, MMTA’s 2020 Teacher of the Year!
We are proud to announce that MMTA President, Ellyses Kuan, has been named 2020 Teacher of the Year! Ellyses is a shining example of the highest standard of accomplishment and commitment to the profession of music teaching. She has made a lasting and transformative impact on the MMTA organization through her previous roles as Vice President of Membership, President-Elect, and now as President. She is actively involved in MTNA, runs a thriving music school in Quincy, and performs internationally. Please join us in extending our appreciation to Ellyses!
Teacher of the Year Nomination - Ellyses Kuan
Submitted by Alison Barr
Ellyses Kuan is a shining example of the highest standard of accomplishment and commitment to the profession of music teaching. In her terms as President -Elect and now President, and before that, as Vice President of Membership, she has made a significant, lasting and transformative contribution to MMTA. I am certain that Ellyses will be exemplary as Immediate Past President, continuing to champion her heartfelt causes – creating opportunities for student participation and Student Chapters and updated website and channels of communication, among others.
In a relatively short period of time, Ellyses has gently but persistently urged us forward, towards a greater level of communication, organization and professionalism. She has worked very swiftly and skillfully, crafting a board where each individual works at his/her highest potential for maximum growth in each program area.
As Quad State Conference Chair from Summer 2018 - October 5, 2019, I received complete support and attention from Ellyses. She dropped other scheduled things in order to drive to Endicott College to tour the venue. Many times, she talked me through difficult moments as a dedicated colleague would, helping me think through solutions to problems. She never said “never.” The Quad State went off without a hitch because of all the Board members who worked so hard, but Ellyses was at the helm and she knew that the buck stopped with her.
Further, Ellyses has attended conferences and Presidents’ Summits, even when it was not her official responsibility to do so. The connections she has forged through MTNA are multiple and far-reaching. The ideas she has picked up through networking with leaders in other states are notable.
Ellyses’ multiple life tracks of gifted solo pianist, extraordinary chamber musician, dedicated teacher, skillful entrepreneur and Library and Information Scientist (holding a Master’s Degree in this field) uniquely qualify her in the understanding of how MMTA functions. Also, she is adept and positive in her interpersonal relationships, extremely intelligent and quick to laugh. It seems that nothing is beyond her imagination or understanding.
The biography below speaks to the breadth and depth in Ellyses’ musical and teaching training and also to her complete immersion in her professional life. Her chamber group, Duo Amie, performs several concerts every year as full benefits for various causes, with all profits going directly to these worthy causes. This is all done with graceful aplomb, even while she raises two young children, runs a thriving music school in Quincy and works as MMTA President.
During my several stints on the Nominating Committee, people with far, far less in their schedules than Ellyses have resoundingly turned down MMTA positions time and time again. Ellyses immediately accepted the President-Elect when we were at a point of compromised leadership. She accepted without hesitation, having no idea what might be in store for her. I call this valiant. I call this unique. I call this true professionalism.
Please join me in affirming Ellyses Kuan as the recipient of our 2020 MMTA Teacher of the Year.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison S. Barr
February 5, 2020
