Access to music education has seen troubling declines throughout the country over recent decades, which makes those talented folks who remain in the field as music educators all the more valuable.
It’s in this climate that the Nebraska Department of Education (NDOE) has named Zac Konrad, a band teacher at Papillion Middle School in Sarpy County, its 2027 Teacher of the Year.
Konrad, who was surprised by Nebraska Commissioner of Education Brian Maher in his classroom for an impromptu ceremony on Sept. 17, has taught in Nebraska since 2006. He began his career teaching 5th-12th grade band in Auburn, then taught band at Plattsmouth High School before taking on his current role in 2017 as band teacher at Papillion Middle School, according to a release from the NDOE.
The release described Konrad’s teaching style as “deeply student-centered, relationship-focused, and committed to ensuring every student feels valued and capable of success.”
“He consistently creates inclusive learning experiences that meet students where they are, whether through adapting music instruction for students with significant needs, empowering students to recognize and celebrate one another’s strengths, or building opportunities that connect students to their broader community,” it read.
In his own words, pulled from his application, Konrad said his beliefs that music is for everyone and all students can learn are what drive him.
“When societal detractors say, ‘Kids these days aren’t like they used to be…’ I push back because I’ve seen firsthand their potential,” Konrad wrote. “We owe it to these future generations to set them up for the greatest amount of success possible. I want our students to know that, when they become young adults in the community, the impact of our culture-building is long-lasting. We are building future greatness in our schools and I am proud to see our students leading the way.”
Konrad has both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has served as a representative for the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association as well as on multiple committees and teams for Papillion La Vista Community Schools. He was an ambassador for education for the Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium and is on the Papillion La Vista Education Association Board of Directors.
Konrad was also named Secondary Teacher of the Year for Papillion La Vista Community Schools for the 2025-26 school year.
Konrad beat out two other finalists for the statewide award—Christina Schik of Bancroft Elementary School in Omaha and Lisa Elsasser from La Vista West Elementary School in La Vista—who are now recognized as 2027 Award of Excellence winners.
Konrad will represent Nebraska in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
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