Type Of Business:
Nonprofit education organization
Expertise:
Management; Music education
Major Product/SVS:
Awards and professional resources for the state's best and brightest teachers
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading; Music; Traveling; Theater
Education Degrees:
Graduate-Level Coursework, Northwestern University; Graduate-Level Coursework, Clarion University; Master of Arts in Music Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1977); Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Clarion State College; Coursework, Asbury Theological Seminary
Affiliations Awards:
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association; National Association for Music Education; American Choral Directors Association;
State/Country of Origin:
PA/USA
Children's Names:
Jamison, Jonathan, Kyle, Kristan
Date of Distinction:
8/29/2011
Work History:
Music Teacher, Keystone School District, Knox PA (1974-Present); Adjunct Instructor in Music Education, Clarion University of Pennsylvania; Commissioned Composer and Guest Conductor
Career Achievements:
Published articles in PMEA News.
Published composer.
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
He is separated by his ability to see the big picture as far as what people and organizations can achieve, and communicate that vision in such a way as to motivate others to unite in pursuit of it.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
His greatest career achievement has been instilling a love of music, ability to perform excellently, and appreciation for the beauty and the worth of the arts, particularly their unique capacity to positively affect the world, and having done all of this for nearly four decades.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
As a man of integrity who cared for his students, had high ideals, worked hard, never gave up, and led by serving others.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
The biggest problem always can be traced to man's desire for autonomy and selfishness. Loving others means serving and giving up what we'd like to do and see so as to help someone else.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Jesus Christ, because no other man has influenced, challenged, and motivated people with selfless service like He has.
Expanded Biography:
Mr. Francis Nesta has served as a guest conductor for over a score of festival choruses throughout Pennsylvania. He is also a talented tutor in various academic disciplines, a skilled relationship counselor, and an experienced trip planner for large and small music groups. Known as a motivational speaker, organizational strategist, idea generator, he has led numerous leadership development and organizational planning retreats.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlights of his career include being accepted into a summer fellowship at Northwestern University in 1991, seeing his students' faces light up as they are exposed to new places and experiences, and having his students unite their talents with those of others to perform a piece that connects them to each other and to the audience. This last experience is indescribably incredible.
Charity:
Two-Term District President, PMEA; Adviser, National Honor Society
Number Of Years In Profession:
38
Number Of Years In Current Position:
6
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his love for the greater good and his students.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because it gave him the opportunity to influence students through music. It provided him a chance to get to know and love many young people in ways that aren't available to others. Being recognized as a finalist for PA Teacher of the Year and being elected as president of PMEA confirmed for him that his work was effective and made a huge impact. Having the opportunity to serve these two professional organizations has allowed him to be among thinkers who have set a new course for music education and placed him in a position where he can help identify the best and brightest teachers the state has to offer. It has been and continues to be simultaneously challenging and rewarding.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Francis Nesta has served as a guest conductor for over a score of festival choruses throughout Pennsylvania. He is also a talented tutor in various academic disciplines, a skilled relationship counselor, and an experienced trip planner for large and small music groups. Known as a motivational speaker, organizational strategist, idea generator, he has led numerous leadership development and organizational planning retreats.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing the selection of teachers to be recognized in the Penn. Teacher of the Year program; Working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Education; Managing officers of the association; Hosting an annual teachers forum
Education Certifications:
Instructional II Certification in Music for Grades K-12
Awards/Honors:
Finalist, PA Teacher of the Year (1996); Northwestern University Summer Fellowship Award (1991); Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; Past President, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mr. Nesta intends to retire from teaching and affiliate himself with more organizations.