The Foundation for Excellence in Education (FLAG) Award for Teaching Excellence has opened its nomination process for this school year’s awards program. The program recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers in each borough who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. It is an extension from last year’s launch in Manhattan.

One grand-prize winner from each New York City borough will receive a $25,000 cash prize, and each finalist will receive a $10,000 prize. In addition, each winner’s school will receive $10,000, and each finalist’s school will receive $2,000 for an arts-based initiative that the recipients will create at the school. The school award provides additional resources for arts education, an area that is often underfunded in public schools.

The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence celebrates the work of public school teachers in New York City who devote countless hours to supporting and enriching the lives of their students. The vast majority of Americans rely on public schools where teachers help students thrive despite low budgets, large class sizes, and other obstacles that persist in the public school system, particularly during the current pandemic.

“With this award, we honor and celebrate the teachers that go above and beyond in their role as educators and who are impactful mentors for their students,” said Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman, Founders of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. “The COVID-19 pandemic upended the school year last spring and continues to challenge every facet of education this school year. Despite these obstacles, teachers have found innovative and resourceful ways to connect with students and have shown great flexibility in ensuring that students’ needs are met, both in the classroom and remotely,” the founders continued.

An independent jury comprised of education, community, and philanthropic leaders, including State Education Department Interim Commissioner, Betty Rosa, will select the winners based on criteria that place emphasis on the student experience.

“I am delighted to return as a jury member for the second year of the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence and to play a role in expanding this initiative to the entire city,” said Dr. Rosa. “So many teachers across New York create a wonderful student experience and deserve to be recognized through this award. I look forward to beginning our selections process and celebrating the work of teachers who are dedicated to their students and community.”

Last year’s winner, Dr. Lou Lahana who teaches at PS/MS 188 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, will also serve as a member of this year’s jury. Dr. Lahana was recognized last year for his commitment to helping his students tackle real-world problems, using technology to explore social issues of their choice and create projects to help address those issues.

The award for the 2020-2021 school year is open to K-12 teachers in NYC public schools. Nominations will close in December, and winners will be announced in June.

About the Nomination Process

Timeline: Nominations are open now and close December 15, 2020. Semi-finalists will be notified in February.

Eligibility: Current full-time teachers in New York City public schools, grades K-12, with at least five years of classroom experience are eligible.

Who can nominate? Students, parents, principals, fellow teachers, and other colleagues/community members can nominate teachers.

Process: From the nominees, select candidates will be asked to fill out an additional application, be interviewed, and provide letters of endorsement. The jury will select one grand prize winner from each of the five NYC boroughs.

1. Betty A. Rosa, Interim Commissioner, NYS Education Department
2. Lou Lahana, 2020 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence Winner
3. Max Kenner, Founder and Executive Director of the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI)
4. Nicola Vassell, Curator and Principal of Concept NV

• 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.