CAMDEN, Tenn. — December 18, 2025 — Benton County Schools is proud to announce that Mrs. Emily Knight, the music teacher at Briarwood Elementary School, has been named a semifinalist for the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation’s 2026 Music Teachers of Excellence award. Mrs. Knight is one of a select group of music educators from across the Southeast and the nation recognized for their dedication, innovation, and profound impact on their students and communities.
The Music Teachers of Excellence program is the CMA Foundation’s most prestigious honor, designed to celebrate the educators who are having the greatest impact on their students’ lives using the power of music. Being named a semifinalist places Mrs. Knight among the top tier of music educators in the country, acknowledging her commitment to providing high-quality music education to the students of Benton County.
“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Knight for this well-deserved recognition,” said Chad Wyatt, Principal of Briarwood Elementary School. “Her passion for music is infectious, and she works tirelessly to ensure that every student at Briarwood has the opportunity to explore their creativity and build confidence through the arts. To see her talent recognized on a national stage is a testament to the excellence she brings to our classrooms every day.”
As a semifinalist, Mrs. Knight emerged from a rigorous application process that evaluates educators on their instructional excellence, leadership, and ability to make a difference in their school community. The selection process now moves to a second round, where semifinalists submit teaching videos and reflections on their educational philosophy.
“Emily Knight represents the very best of Benton County Schools,” said Mark Florence, Director of Schools. “Music education is a vital part of a well-rounded curriculum, and teachers like Mrs. Knight are the reason our students continue to thrive. This nomination highlights not only her individual talent but also the strength of the arts programs in our district.”
Finalists for the Music Teachers of Excellence award will be announced in May 2026. Winners will be honored at a red-carpet ceremony in Nashville and will receive a $5,000 grant—half designated for their classroom needs and half for personal use—to support their continued work in shaping the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
About Benton County Schools
Benton County Schools is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where all students are empowered to achieve their full potential. Serving the communities of Holladay, Camden, and Big Sandy, the district is committed to academic excellence, career readiness, and the holistic development of every child.
About the CMA Foundation
The Country Music Association established the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), in 2011 to leverage the power of music to improve and sustain music education programs for all students nationwide. The Foundation focuses on sustainability, advocacy, and research to support music education programs and ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the power of music.