Jared Heaps, Terra Academy

“Jared Heaps has been a band and choir teacher to my four oldest children. He pushes them to develop their talents, but he also makes the class fun. He’s cool and funny, and the kids all love him. My son’s biggest regret upon graduating from Terra last year was leaving Mr. Heaps. When I mentioned this to Mr. Heaps, he got emotional and expressed his love for our kids. (I know that he feels that way about his other students as well.)

Mr. Heaps started a jazz band this year that meets early in the mornings, twice a week. He knew the kids couldn’t fit it in their schedules easily with a small school’s scheduling limitations, but he wanted to provide that opportunity. He also lobbies for the school to buy the more expensive instruments, so kids can try those as well. (My sons have played on the tenor sax and tuba he provided.)

He was the sole music teacher when Terra opened six years ago, and he faced the typical challenges of building a program from the ground up. Terra is a small charter school and experiences a fair amount of turnover in the upper grades, but he continues to produce quality concerts as his groups fluctuate and change. (And he picks the best music! I actually enjoy the student concerts at Terra!)

Mr. Heaps is a talented musician himself. He often jams with some of the other teachers after school, and has performed with them in assemblies.

He makes such a difference in the lives of these kids!”

-Marnie Barrus