Zachary Arenz was nominated by a friend, Louise Smith.
Mr. Arenz is a true LifeChanger because he transforms the lives of his students through compassion, creativity, and leadership that extend far beyond the classroom. His proven ability to make a positive difference is rooted in his student-first approach. He sees every child as a whole person. He uses music as a vehicle to foster a sense of belonging, resilience, and self-worth. Whether greeting students with warmth each morning or mentoring those facing emotional hardship, he makes each student feel valued and capable of success. His classroom has become a sanctuary where students discover confidence through rhythm, voice, and collaboration. Mr. Arenz's influence reaches every corner of his school.
As the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, he has elevated the culture of his building and district by modeling what a positive, nurturing learning environment can look like. He transformed his school into a Grief-Sensitive School through a partnership with the New York Life Foundation, establishing music-based programs that help students process loss and trauma through creative expression. This initiative not only healed hearts but also strengthened the emotional fabric of his entire school community.
A natural leader, Mr. Arenz mentors colleagues across grade levels and disciplines, offering professional development in student engagement, social-emotional learning, and inclusive instruction. His leadership has inspired others to adopt practices that center on student well-being while maintaining high academic and artistic standards. Mr. Arenz's record of excellence is nationally recognized. He has represented his state as an ambassador for educational equity, traveled internationally as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, and will soon serve as an NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow in South Africa. Each experience enriches his teaching and benefits his students, who gain access to a world of ideas and perspectives beyond their classroom walls.
Above all, Mr. Arenz exemplifies unwavering integrity and moral strength. He consistently demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and humility, earning the deep respect of students, parents, and peers alike. His work embodies the highest ideals of public education, where compassion meets rigor, and every student's potential is nurtured and developed.
"For his transformational impact, exemplary leadership, and steadfast commitment to ethical, student-centered teaching, Mr. Zachary Arenz is deserving of recognition. He is the very definition of a LifeChanger," said Smith.
Dear LifeChanger of the Year Selection Committee,
I am proud to nominate Zach Arenz, my colleague in the music and band department, for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. Zach is an exceptional educator whose professionalism, dedication, and integrity make a lasting impact on our students and school community.
Through music education, Zach builds confidence, discipline, and teamwork in his students while holding them to high standards and supporting their growth. He leads by example, earns the respect of students and colleagues, and consistently creates a positive, structured learning environment.
Our school and students are better because of Zach’s commitment and leadership. He is truly deserving of this recognition.
Sincerely,
Dianne Snowden-Johnson
Great teacher. Very caring, kids love him. Well deserved.
Zach's he is a dedicated music teacher. Nurturing the student through music, ensuring every student feels capable passionate engaged with music not only in school but contribution to the community and staff. He confidence show build good expression energy with a lot of rehearsal love for learning. Students love it
Zach’s students could not be more lucky. His longtime friends are better for knowing him. He has spoken about his school with passion and drive since the very beginning, always seeing the endless potential for his students, colleagues, and building. No one is more deserving of this honor than Mr. Arenz!
MR ARENZ is the best music teacher ! He doesn’t only teach but he is also a great counselor ! You can talk to him about anything and he will support you with anything! Mr Arenz is great !
Zach is the most supportive person I know. He spent so much time building other people up. He posts about their accomplishments and how they impact people… all the while he is the one impacting people‘s lives. He’s thoughtful, generous, kind, and one of the most amazing teachers I have ever met! He checks in with people reaches out to people and always seems to know the right things to say to motivate people to do better. I’m so proud to call him my friend. He has definitely changed my life and countless others as well. I am not sure there’s anyone in the world who deserves this more!!!
Since I became the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year, Mr. Zachary Arenz has been an unwavering mentor and guide in my journey. His generosity, wisdom, and willingness to share his experiences have helped me navigate the responsibilities and opportunities of this role with confidence and clarity. He leads with humility and purpose, and his example has shaped the way I hope to serve our profession. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and his belief in me.
I strongly recommend Mr. Zachary Arenz as Life Changer of the Year. Mr. Arenz has had an incredibly positive impact on my life and on the lives of so many students and educators. I have had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Arenz as a fellow 2024 State Teacher of the Year. I am in awe of the work that he does in and out of the classroom. His work with transformative music education is unprecedented. I have witnessed how he positively advocates for the teaching profession with state and national policy leaders and how he uses his gifts as a music educator to reach and inspire all students and educators alike. Mr. Arenz is a phenomenal teacher, speaker, and writer and has impacted education for so many positive reasons. Not only has he started cohorts and focus groups focused on music education and educational policy work, but Mr. Arenz inspires all around him and literally changes the teaching profession and classrooms everywhere for the better across the nation and globally. He has used his teacher voice in his own state, across the country, and around the world at conferences, in published articles to major news outlets, on social media, in education policy work, through his local, state, and national education associations, as an NEA Global Teacher Fellow, and most recently as a National Geographic Teacher Fellow. Mr. Zachary Arenz is an outstanding choice for Life Changer of the Year. He has truly changed my life and the lives and trajectories of countless others for the better.
Zach is the best of us! As a teacher, a musician, a leader…he brings everyone together. Adults and kids alike can’t help but feel a part of something bigger with him around.
Zach Arenz builds joy and community in all he does. His enthusiasm in teaching and in his advocacy for students, teachers, and schools alike goes beyond what he does. It is who he is. He elevates music for its importance in our lives, building life-changing connections. Zach Arenz puts love and care in all he does, building safe spaces in which his students thrive. As the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, he has embraced his platform to promote music education and the importance of a whole child approach to education. It is truly an honor to recommend him!
I first met Zach as a fellow 2024 Teacher of the Year within the CCSSO programming. From the moment I met Zach, I felt seen, heard, and connected. He has an uncanny ability to do this with all who he meets, which is no wonder that he served as New York State’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and is now nominated for this. He not only is a master at relationship building but he is extremely intelligent in creating transformational experiences for his students and those around him. For example, he has been able to provide opportunities through music education for his own students to explore the way music can enhance one’s learning and life in Rochester, NY. For our cohort of teachers, he has created a staff wellbeing cohort, a music education one, and is often sharing incredible articles, research, and opportunities to enhance our lives as ambassadors to education. My favorite part about Zach though, is that he is a role model human-loving deeply, learning fiercely, and extending his reach to support humanity always.
Zach is a true inspiration to all educators. He has grown into a wonderful young man that I am so proud of. It was a great honor to have been one of his teachers.
Zach is giving, kind and generous with his time.
I got to know Zach through his work with ASSE International Student Exchange Programs. He assisted my family with hosting two different foreign exchange students over the course of three years. He was always so informative and helpful, always assisting us with solving problems when they arose and monitoring our students, he kept in touch with them separately, ensuring that they were enjoying their time here and helping out if they needed anything. He also communicated with us providing guidance and help when necessary. He tagged along with us for local/regional events and took the time to get to know us all so that he was able to cater our experience. He dealt with some difficult situations, primarily with the pandemic lockdowns and helped us navigate through that nightmare. Our experience as a host family was life changing for all of us, and a big part of that was due to Zach and his efforts. In fact, if it weren't for Zach and his help, I am not sure we would've hosted our second foreign exchange student! If this world had more people like Zach, it would be far better off!
Zach is a true LifeChanger! As the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, his passion for music education goes far beyond the classroom walls. He uses his love of music education to inspire confidence, creativity, and connection in every student he teaches. Zach’s belief in the transformative impact of music reminds us all that education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about heart, expression, and changing lives one note at a time. I am honored to know him!
Zach is a true nurturer who seeks to bring joy in learning experience.
I have bear witness to the great teaching, advocacy, and leadership that Mr. Arenz have made in the State of New York and nationally as a state teacher of the year! Mr. Arenz teaches music with love and compassion, allowing students to explore their creativity and storytelling through the instructions of musical instruments. He further builds his great teaching by being on the front lines, speaking up for teachers and students to have what they need to for a great teaching and learning experience.
Lastly, Mr. Arenz is the perfect representation for extended learning. Whether it is National Geographic, state policy initiatives, or op-Ed’s, Mr. Arenz is expanding his knowledge in education to help support districts, teachers, and students gain new access to learning in ways not seen before! It is this type of commitment that makes Mr. Arenz the perfect candidate to be the 2026 Life Changer of the Year!
It is my honor to nominate Mr. Arenz for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. He is an exceptional educator whose leadership, compassion, and commitment to students make a lasting impact every single day.
Mr. Arenz goes beyond the classroom—he takes on leadership roles within our school, modeling collaboration and innovation for colleagues. He builds strong connections with families, ensuring open communication and genuine partnership between home and school. His efforts extend into the community, helping families feel seen, supported, and engaged in their children’s education.
Most importantly, Mr. Arenz creates experiences that students remember for a lifetime. His classroom is a place where learning comes alive—where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to do their best.
For his leadership, dedication, and ability to create meaningful and lasting change, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Arenz as a LifeChanger of the Year.
Demitria Lawton-Greggs
Principal
It is an honor and pleasure to recommend my colleague and friend for Zach Arenz for this honor.
As a member of the New York State Teacher of the Year Council, I accompanied Zach through every step of his application journey and was able to be a witness to the fact that a heroic candidate had stumbled into our midst. His knowledge of music, his extremely articulate reasoning skills, and his love for his students presented an integrated and complete apologia for what constitutes an outstanding teacher.
His energy is boundless and his enthusiasm and desire to proclaim teaching as a bedrock of our civilization qualifies Zach Arenz for this magnificent honor.
I am proud of Zach and appreciate his contagious passion for the education of our students.
Zach,
Congratulations on this amazing achievement. You are an inspiration to many. I’m glad that I got to have you as a music teacher & colleague! Wishing you all the best and many more achievements!
