Weston Awards: Dana Spagnuolo
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the 2026 winners of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.
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Dana Spagnuolo—affectionately known as Ms. Spags—“is pure middle school magic.”
This is how parents and students at Renaissance Middle School wrote about this band teacher in their nomination letters for the Weston Award.
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“She takes students, many of whom have little to no musical experience, and turns them into performers who will stand in front of an audience and go for it. In her program, everyone gets a chance to shine,” one wrote. “A turning point for my son in middle school came when Ms. Spagnuolo pulled him aside and asked him to learn additional songs to support other student groups. It sounds like a small moment, but to him, it was huge. He came home absolutely lit up. That moment of being noticed, chosen, and trusted changed how he saw himself. From then on, her room became his safe place.”
Another parent wrote: “What stands out most is how deeply loyal she is to the kids in her program. Dana always puts students first, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where they feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow—not just as musicians, but as individuals. She has had a direct impact on my own family: she taught one of my sons to play the clarinet over Zoom, and now she is teaching my second son to play the saxophone—and he absolutely loves it.”
A student shared: “I have had [Ms. Spags] for all of middle school as my music teacher, and it has been amazing throughout… She makes all of us feel comfortable.”
Ms. Spagnuolo, who now teaches at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, was also praised for her contagious enthusiasm, work ethic, and heart-centered approach.
“Ms. Spagnuolo creates an environment where students genuinely show up for one another. They cheer each other on, steady each other when nerves kick in, and celebrate each other’s growth. You can see it at performances that these are students who feel connected to one another and invested in each other’s success. That kind of peer support is rare at this age, and it speaks directly to the culture she has built.”
Another parent shared that Ms. Spagnuolo beams with pride at every show and tears up when she talks about her students: ”Her love for teaching just shines through.”
For sharing her passion for music, building community, and transforming students of all abilities into young people who believe in themselves, the Montclair community is thrilled to honor Ms. Spagnuolo as an inspired teacher. Congratulations!
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