In a district where one third of the students are multilingual learners, Jackson Hole High School Fine Arts Teacher and district K-12 Fine Arts Coordinator Collin Binko uses the language of music to inspire, encourage and enrich the lives of every student he encounters.
Binko, previously the music teacher at Jackson Hole Middle School, was hired to transform the high school fine arts program after the JHMS program grew exponentially under his leadership, doubling choir enrollment in each grade level until there were no more seats available in the class. In guitar, band, choir and orchestra, Binko relates musical theory to core subjects including math and reading, helping his students connect learning across the curriculum and increase their success.
The relationships Binko builds with his students create the foundation for their confidence and love of music to blossom. As a saxophone player, his enthusiasm for the subject is evident. After he produced JHMS’ first musical, “School of Rock,” JHHS students expressed an interest in participating. Binko incorporated high school students into the musical, inviting them to join the rehearsals and help with set design and other aspects of the program. This desire to create communitywide events motivated Binko to unite middle and high school students with the local Community Chorale for an audience singalong. Binko also helps with honor choir, JHMS climbing club, JHHS mountaineering club, and the pep band.
A lifelong learner with a solutions-oriented mindset, Binko mentors educators in the K-12 music department and serves in the district’s two-year competitive leadership program. He leads the high school music professional learning community and participates on the school improvement team. His community spirit shines in coordinating an annual performance with Cathedral Voices Choir, the town’s local chorale group, and his Select Choir and Honors Choir students. He can often be found at the middle school, mentoring the JHMS fine arts team, or coordinating the music program for students in the community.
Binko completed his Bachelor of Science in music education from Duquesne University in 2013.
Press Release: Jackson Fine Arts Teacher Strikes a Positive Chord, Surprised with $25,000 Milken Educator Award
