Valley middle school music teacher is finalist for $1 million cash prize
The children at Painted Hills Middle School in Desert Hot Springs are singing songs about “hope” and dreams”
That is what the man directing the students appears to be inspiring.
“Seeing the glow in their eyes is a thing that is just contagious,” said Dr. Brian McDaniel.
For his efforts in teaching both choir and band, McDaniel has been nominated to receive what some call “the Nobel Prize of teaching”.
Presented by the Varkey Foundation, it’s called the “Global Teacher Prize”.
It’s presented annually to a teacher who “has made an outstanding contribution to their profession”.
“No one ever thinks they are going to win an international teacher prize, to be counted among the top 50 in the world is amazing,” said McDaniel.
The prize would become the latest and biggest award in a career already recognized and celebrated.
The father of six is the 2018 “California Teacher of the Year” after being named the county and district “Teacher of the Year”.
“I want my kids to be proud and I want my community to be proud,” said McDaniel.
Growing up in Desert Hot Springs, McDaniel says he overcame poverty, his mother being shot when he was toddler, and his father dying when he was 11.
“I saw education as a freeway to give me everything i wanted in life, even better, music education,” said the instructor.
If he wins the prize, McDaniel says he wants to put the money into a foundation, with the aim of providing music education opportunities to under priveleged children around the world.
A long time colleague talked about McDaniel’s contributions.
“He is from here, he has been through what these kids have been through, he can really relate to them,” said Painted Hills Middle School Teacher Librarian Jennifer Sugarman.
Pictures on the choir room wall are from trips the choir and the band have taken around the country, winning many of their competitions.
It’s what McDaniel wants his students to do in life.
“In a way, I’ve already won the prize. I’m one of the richest men in the world, because i have the love my kids and my community,” said McDaniel.
The “Global Teacher Prize” will be presented March 24th in Dubai, and Dr. McDaniel says he’ll be there.
Click here to learn more about the prize and the Varkey Foundation.
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