Jenai N. Jenkins, PhD has been teaching for Chicago Public Schools for over 29 years as a general music and band teacher. In Spring of 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Jenkins holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, a Master’s degree in Music Education from DePaul School of Music, and a PhD in Music Education from Northwestern School of Music where she focused on the interdisciplinary approach to music teaching and learning and related professional development. Currently, in her 18th year at Pritzker, Dr. Jenkins teaches general music, and beginning and intermediate band. Additionally, Jenkins co-chairs the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Pritzker Elementary and serves as an Arts Liaison and Arts Instruction Specialist for Chicago Public Schools.