Oak Lawn Community High School music teacher Bob Haberstat has been selected as the TI:ME (Technology In Music Education) Teacher of the Year for 2026. The award is highly prestigious in the field of integrating technology into music education. Through his own-devised "Shed The Music" and "Electronic Music Elements" curricula, and his frequent presentations at music education conferences nationwide, Bob demonstrates a passion for both technology and music education that is exemplary and well-deserving of this recognition.
Music Department Chair Semaj Coleman said, “When it comes to music education, Bob Habersat is an absolute unrelenting force of nature. For Bob, music transcends notes on a page; it is a living, breathing experience. To witness just fifteen minutes of his instruction is to see a masterclass in passion and versatility. He has fundamentally reshaped the high school musical experience, fostering a classroom where students might master Bruckner’s 'Locus Iste' one moment and pivot to a high-energy Bruno Mars cover on electric guitars the next. Beyond his classroom walls, Bob is a global innovator. Through his relentless advocacy and collaboration with Ableton, he has designed a ground-breaking pathway that will make his school the first in the world to offer official Ableton certification to students. Bob is a one-in-a-million educator, and Oak Lawn is profoundly lucky to have his vision leading the way.” Principal Dr. Lauren May added, “We are proud of Mr. Habersat and the innovative ways in which he leverages technology to improve music education not only for our Spartan students but also how he shares his vision and talents with educators across the country. Oak Lawn Community High School has a proud tradition of elevating music education, and it’s wonderful to see Mr. Habersat recognized nationally.” Bob will be presented with the award at the 2026 national conference in San Antonio, TX, on February 11th.