LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jeff Funderburk was nominated by Marykay Mentzer, the parent of a student.

"When thinking of the teachers who have had the most influence on students in our state, Mr. Funderburk is the epitome of what the LifeChanger awards intend to recognize," said Mentzer. "His dedication, determination, and drive have made a significant difference in his students' lives and the surrounding community.  Further, Mr. Funderburk helped create and foster an environment based on inclusion and an appreciation for the many differences in his school and the world at large."

Mr. Funderburk, who retired May 2020, was the Director of Choral Activities at the Dekalb School of the Arts in Atlanta, GA, a position he has held since 2003. He is an incredibly kind-hearted, caring teacher.  During his tenure, he made an essential difference in his students' lives, helped differentiate his school as a top-performing arts school, and served as a positive, accepting role model. 

In addition to his duties at Dekalb School of the Arts, Mr. Funderburk served in the music director's roles, as an organist, or a combination of the two for local area churches over the past 38 years. He has also served on the staff of the Atlanta Young Singers of Callanwolde as the Youth Chorale Men's Chorus Instructor. Mr. Funderburk was also the State Choral Chair for the Georgia Music Educators Association from 2013-2015.  He has supported All-State and District Honor Choirs, Spivey Hall Honor Choirs, numerous community performances, community choir partnerships, and outside student-centered groups.

Mr. Funderburk has been an active, enthusiastic member of Music Educators National Conference, Georgia Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, American Guild of Organists, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Golden Key Honorary and the Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr.  Funderburk is a three-time graduate of Auburn University, receiving a Bachelor of Music Education in 1986, a Master's in Education in 2006, and an Education Specialist degree in 2008. Although he is retiring from Dekalb School of the Arts, he previously taught chorus at Druid Hills High School and Stephenson High School in DeKalb County.  Before moving to Atlanta, Mr. Funderburk taught for 14 years in Macon, Georgia, at Central High School, Miller Middle School, Weaver Middle School, and Porter Elementary School.

All credentials and academic accomplishments aside, to say Mr. Funderburk has made a difference in his students' lives is an understatement.  Over the years, he has been a highly positive, caring influence who would do anything and everything to support his students. He spent long hours planning classes for his students, and he also worked with students one on one in a teacher/mentor arrangement.  As a teacher and leader, he empowered his students to develop vital leadership skills.

During his time at Dekalb School of the Arts, Mr. Funderburk directed the school's Concert Choir, ProArte (women's ensemble), and HighLeit (mixed ensemble).  Both groups won numerous awards during Mr. Funderburk's tenure.  Mr. Funderburk partnered with his students, faculty, and community members to create and fundraise for a scholarship fund to ensure more students could be a part of these competitions as a rite of passage for vocal performers.  More important than awards, students were given the gift of music through Mr. Funderburk's healthy approach to singing and playing. He utilized classical methods, varied forms and genres of literature, comprehensive musicianship, and critical listening and music analysis.  Ultimately, his students experienced the fun and joy of singing as a group and being a part of a collaborative, supportive team. 

Because Mr. Funderburk was a teacher at a performing arts high school, many students had aspirations of performing as a career, so the bar was set high for him as an educator.  To bring together the vocal talents, drive, and discipline needed to succeed as a performer is no small feat. However, more than 45 of Mr.  Funderburk's students went on to pursue vocal and musical theatre performance degrees in college.  Currently, five of his former students are professional vocal and musical theatre performers. In a highly competitive field, this number speaks to the skills and capabilities imparted during their years under his instruction.

When COVID-19 hit, Mr. Funderburk continued supporting his students after they were sent home for the spring semester. He organized Zoom video lessons and helped his students navigate vocal lessons during the quarantine. With a strong determination to finish his final year as a professional educator, along with the help of an internet connection, he continued to engage his students in a virtual classroom!  His support was particularly crucial to graduating seniors as they prepared for college and rising seniors who needed extra support as they worked on their college applications. During this time, he facilitated and fostered a positive, can-do attitude, which helped his students navigate this unprecedented time. 

"For all the positive things I can say here about Mr. Funderburk, his students say it best," said Mentzer. "The Dekalb School of the Arts students and others from the community wanted to wish Mr.  Funderburk a happy retirement.  They made a video with many words of support and appreciation for his efforts and lessons."

"In the retirement video, which was assembled and edited by the students, many mention Mr. Funderburk's support, care, and dedication as well as the heart he brought to his teaching," said Mentzer. "Students comment on his support beyond his role as a vocal teacher. They mention his support of their emotional health journies, navigating difficult circumstances, and finding the courage to be open and authentic.  For all these reasons and so many more, Mr. Funderburk is a true LifeChanger."