Eric Proctor brings laughter, creativity, and a love of music to every lesson at Adaire Elementary. From drum circles and sing-alongs with kindergartners to choir and orchestra rehearsals for older students, he creates a classroom where students can explore, express themselves, and feel proud of what they create. For Eric, music isn’t just about learning notes—it’s about building confidence, community, and joy.

Eric Proctor is a 2025 Philadelphia Family A+ Educators Award Winner

Philadelphia Family’s A+ Educators Awards celebrate exceptional educators making a lasting impact in our community. Eric was nominated by a parent, and selected based on his achievements, innovation, and dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences. Each A+ Educator has committed to supporting Family Focus Media’s core values, helping foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.

Nominations for the 2026 A+ Educator Awards open with the launch of our Spring Education Guides on March 22, 2026, and will remain open through July 4, 2026.

Encouraging Creativity from the Start

Eric’s teaching philosophy is shaped by his own experiences as a student who sometimes struggled to focus. “What I struggled with as a kid was focusing,” he says. “So I try to give my students opportunities for play and creative expression.” He brings that empathy to his youngest learners, offering play, singing, and movement to spark curiosity and self-expression. Even his drum circles are student-led, giving children ownership of their music while learning skills like listening, timing, and collaboration. “Everything I do, especially with the younger ones, is about getting them to start making music and enjoy it as quickly as possible,” Eric explains.

Music as a Community

Eric’s approach goes beyond individual learning. He fosters a sense of belonging through ensemble work, allowing older students in choir, orchestra, and drum line to take the lead while younger students observe and participate. “It’s a fun way to get a lot of kids involved and feel like their interests matter,” he says. This layered mentorship helps students develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills while building a music program that functions like a clubhouse—where creativity, play, and learning come together in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Performing Together, Growing Together

For Eric, concerts aren’t just performances—they’re milestones. “Seeing them stand on stage and realize how talented they are, and perform for their family and friends—that’s the whole thing,” he says. From general music classes to specialized ensembles, every activity creates a space where students feel their efforts rewarded. Parents often remark on the transformation in their children’s confidence after performing, and Eric sees firsthand how music can inspire pride, joy, and perseverance.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Eric plans to keep expanding opportunities for students to explore music and creativity. “I try to make them believe that making music is important for their lives and something to be excited about,” he says. By blending fun, play, and skill-building, he helps students discover their talents, connect with peers, and leave the classroom inspired to keep making music. Whether through a drum circle, choir rehearsal, or solo performance, Eric’s goal is to cultivate lifelong musicians—and, more importantly, students who feel empowered, confident, and excited to express themselves.