ALMA – The Wisconsin Music Educators Association gives out a Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music. This award was established to recognize the state’s finest and most exemplary music educators.
Nominees must demonstrate an advanced level of teaching experience, service to Wisconsin’s professional organizations and the ability to inspire students with their own passion for music.
This year, the recipient of the 2026 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music is Joan Draxler-Ruff of Alma.
Draxler-Ruff is a 1983 graduate of Goodman-Armstrong Creek School District and UW-Eau Claire. She is the daughter of Joan and Terry Flannery of Goodman.
She has been the music director at the Alma School District for 39 years as well as the music director for the Pepin School District for the past 11 years, running two different music programs at separate schools.
Draxler-Ruff was nominated for this award by three different professionals in the Alma/Pepin area.
One nominator wrote, “Mrs. Draxler-Ruff has a rare gift for balancing high expectations with a genuine, joyful connection to her students. She has inspired over 55% of the student body to join the band, proving that she doesn’t just teach music, she created a community where every student feels they belong.”
Draxler-Ruff will receive her award at the 2026 Wisconsin State Music Conference on Oct. 28 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.
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