Carter Academy Teacher Eun Sung Kim Named 2026 Houston Symphony Music Education Award Recipient

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Carter Academy Teacher Eun Sung Kim poses with a few of her students. (Houston Symphony Photo)

Carter Academy strings teacher and magnet coordinator Eun Sung Kim has been named the 2026 recipient of the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education, presented by the Houston Symphony.

The award recognizes outstanding music educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to student learning, creativity, and access to high-quality music education. Kim were honored during the Houston Symphony’s annual Salute to Educators performance on March 29 at Jones Hall.

Kim has served students in Aldine ISD Choice Schools since 2005 and currently teaches strings while also supporting Carter Academy’s magnet programming. Through her leadership, Carter Academy has continued to grow its fine arts program and expand opportunities for students to experience music as performers, learners, and creative thinkers.

Teacher Eun Sung Kim leads students in a performance.

At Carter Academy, Kim is known for creating a classroom culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and joy. Her students learn more than music technique; they build confidence, discipline, and an appreciation for music from cultures around the world.

Her work has also helped strengthen Carter Academy’s standing as a Choice School. Under her leadership, the campus achieved National Magnet Certification and was recognized as a 2026 School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America.

Kim’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Each year, she connects students with the Houston Symphony through student concerts, in-school performances, and learning experiences with Symphony musicians and teaching artists. Her commitment has helped make professional music experiences accessible to Aldine ISD students and has supported the broader music education community in Houston.

Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Troy University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, where she is also a doctoral candidate. She was also named a 2017 finalist for Aldine ISD Teacher of the Year and frequently presents at regional and national conferences, sharing best practices in arts integration and student engagement.

Colleagues praise Kim as a passionate educator and arts advocate who ensures students grow as musicians and individuals.

Outside of Aldine ISD, Kim enjoys photography, traveling with family, and painting with her daughters — embodying the creativity and lifelong learning she instills in her students.

Aldine ISD congratulates Eun Sung Kim and appreciates her commitment to students, the arts, and Carter Academy.

About the Houston Symphony

With a $40.7 million budget, the Houston Symphony performs more than 130 concerts annually and engages 160,000 people across Greater Houston.

The Symphony serves over 50,000 students each year through student concerts and community programs, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and education.