[0:00] - All right, okay. [0:03] Okay! [0:05] - He's really kind [0:07] and very funny every single day. [0:09] - He includes kids a lot in what he does. [0:11] - He's approachable and welcoming, funny. [0:15] - He can go like horse feet, clop, clop. [0:16] - Creative, he's just a wonderful person [0:20] to be around. [0:21] - My name is Jeff Zupfer, I teach elementary music. [0:23] I've been at Normandale Hills in Bloomington here [0:26] for 29 years. [0:27] Say "gratitude matters!" [0:29] - He creates original songs for Normandale Hills [0:31] and they truly become a soundtrack for the lives [0:34] and the journey that our students have [0:35] as they grow kindergarten through fifth grade. [0:38] (singing) "How far you've come, you belong" [0:41] - About 20 years ago, [0:42] I think I started incorporating more video work [0:44] and wedding that with music has just been a real joy for me [0:48] as a creative, and it's a great way [0:51] to engage and share with the kids. [0:53] - Mr. Z received the Inclusive Educator Award. [0:56] - From District 917, who is a district [0:58] that serves a variety of districts to provide paras for kids [1:03] who have special needs, and I was nominated [1:05] by our DHH interpreter. [1:07] - One of the reasons she thought of nominating him [1:09] is because he has created songs [1:11] that incorporate sign language. [1:13] (singing) You are not alone! [1:15] - I know it's a cliche, [1:16] but it was humbling to get that award [1:18] just because I know so many of the people [1:20] at Normandale Hills do that work of inclusion. [1:23] It's a great affirmation to get that, [1:24] but it's also like something that's truly shared [1:27] and is part of the DNA of Normandale Hills. [1:29] - He composes his own songs [1:31] and the songs, a lot of them, like talk about [1:35] how people can be included no matter how they came here [1:38] or what race they are, [1:41] they're still included no matter what. [1:43] - My favorite part about it is like when we sing the songs, [1:46] it's very fun [1:47] 'cause we learn every single time about the song, [1:51] what does it mean and everything. [1:53] (Singing) [1:56] - I think it's really important not to underestimate [2:00] the power of music and the power of a song [2:02] and just how when you get a bunch of people [2:04] in a room together and focus on that one thing, [2:08] something happens in the room scientifically, [2:10] like your heart start beating more aligned [2:12] and your breath is working together. [2:15] (Playing music) [2:16] - He's the best teacher, he always help us, he's so kind. [2:20] It's so good to have him. [2:22] (bright music)