Whenever someone tries to guess Jandrea (Jan) Crum’s age, they usually miss the mark. 

“People don’t ever guess correctly because my job helps keep me youthful,” said Crum, who is completing her 19th year as a music teacher in the district and third year at Chimneyrock Elementary.

Crum’s mother and grandmother were teachers, and she can’t recall a time when she didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. 

After high school, she enrolled at her beloved Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., where she completed education coursework and focused on music, playing her flute in the band.

Later, Crum became licensed to teach and obtained her master’s degree in music with a specialization in Orff-Schulwerk techniques at the University of Memphis.

As she has grown in the profession, Crum has repeatedly witnessed the power of arts education. 

“It makes for a better overall experience in school,” she said. “Like when you eat, you need a little salt and seasoning. The arts are like your salt and seasoning — or your dessert.” 

Students pick up instruments quickly, and English language arts and math are naturally embedded in the lessons. 

“We hit a little bit of it in the room,” said Crum. “They learn it, but they aren’t thinking, ‘I’m learning how to read, count, and identify syllables and sounds.’”

Along with enjoying the subject area, students love Crum’s teaching style and look forward to her class, often saying, “See you next .…,” filling in the appropriate day of the week, as they exit her classroom. Crum notices if a student is having a tough day, and gives them the space and autonomy to work through it and return to the group when they are ready. She empowers her students to be leaders, and it’s working. More students than ever are expressing the confidence needed to perform or sing solos.

“Ms. Crum’s passion for music education and her unwavering commitment to student growth have made a significant impact on our school community,” said Chimneyrock Elementary Principal Crystal Andrews. “Under her guidance, students are not only learning the fundamentals of music, but also developing confidence, creativity and a deep appreciation for the arts.”

This past school year brought joy (and a few tears) when Crum was named a 2025 Country Music Association Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence — a national recognition that includes a $5,000 award, professional development, a red carpet gala and special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.

Crum plans to use the funds — $2,500 is designated for school use and $2,500 is for personal use — to purchase instrument stands and speaker stands for her classroom and a portable sound system for performances held in the gym.

In September, she will head to Nashville for CMA festivities alongside Elisabeth Lay, a fellow CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence winner from Downtown Elementary. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Crum on our team,” added Principal Andrews. “Her dedication to fostering a joyful, inclusive and enriching musical environment is an inspiration to students and colleagues alike.”