The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence opened nominations on Sept. 9 for its sixth annual awards. The awards provide cash prizes to New York City public school teachers in the Bronx and throughout the five boroughs who teach with creativity, passion, and dedication.
This year’s grand prize winners will include one teacher from each borough who educates students from 3K to 12th grade—and, for the first time, a separate grand prize for a 3K through fifth grade educator from any borough. Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, faculty, and other school community members.
Grand-prize winners will receive a $25,000 cash prize and their schools will be awarded $10,000. Finalists will receive a $10,000 prize and their schools will be awarded $5,000. School awards must be used to fund arts-based programs designed by the winning teacher.
“This award recognizes the transformative impact that public school teachers make in the lives of their students. New York City’s educators are unsung heroes who so often go above and beyond to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character they need to live fulfilling lives and make our world a better place,” said Glenn Fuhrman, Co-Founder of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence.
Over the past 5 years the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence has recognized 157 teachers across the city and awarded over $1.5 million in prize money.
Nominees for the awards will be evaluated by an independent jury based on the FLAG Awards CREATE criteria. Nominees will be asked to fill out an application and possibly write essays elaborating on how they fit the criteria.
- Challenges and inspires students of all abilities, utilizing innovative teaching techniques and approaches to curricula and activities.
- Reaches out beyond the classroom, making a positive impact on the school and the community.
- Embraces their role as an educator with tireless, devoted dedication.
- Acknowledges the full spectrum of potential in each and every student.
- Teaches through example, as a leader and role model both inside the classroom and out.
- Engages in opportunities for self-improvement and continues to learn, grow, and develop as a teacher
To nominate a teacher, visit: https://flagaward.org/nominate-your-teacher and answer the question, “why are you nominating this teacher for the FLAG Award?” Nominations close on Nov 24, 2024. Semifinalists will be announced in February and winners will be announced in June of 2025.
