Teaching in a Title 1 setting presents its own unique challenges, yet no child should be defined by their zip code or bank account. Linard McCloud, a 45-year veteran of music education, shares strategies that help create a culture of excellence. For students in low-income situations, their hierarchy of needs may be different, but their need for love, acceptance and a strong role model is key to creating significance in their lives, inside and outside the music classroom.
Linard McCloud
- Biographical Information
Linard H. McCloud is a 1972 alumnus of Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1976, he received his B.S. degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University. Immediately following graduation, Mr. McCloud was awarded the William P. Foster Scholarship to attend the University of Kansas but decided to further his studies at the University of Iowa on a full fellowship where he received his M.A. degree in Music Education.
In August of 1978, Mr. McCloud was hired as director of bands at Burke High School. As a result of his leadership, the band has advanced to a music performance level of grade IV-V literature. He has been instrumental in helping students receive over sixteen million dollars in academic and music scholarships to attend four-year colleges and universities throughout the country. In 2022, band seniors received $1.3 million in scholarships.
Mr. McCloud has been recognized as Burke High School Teacher of the Year on three separate occasions. He has been presented community awards from the Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternities, and Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities. In 1997, he became a South Carolina recipient of the prestigious National Milken Foundation Outstanding Educator Award.