Davon embraces what it means to be an educator through every fiber of his being. He constantly talks about how “he loves teaching” and that he “couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.” Davon often finds himself engaged in conversation around education, equity, and social justice. At the heart of Davon’s teaching practice is relationship building. […]
She is sweet and understanding. She helps students to understand their lesson in a fun way that it will be easier for them remember. She loves her students just like a family! She is dedicated and for me she is the best teacher not only for her students but for her family! For all the […]
In a school setting I have found as a teacher I am multiple things to a student at the same time; you can be their teacher, but then they see you in the community as a community leader, but then in the end of the day, you were the person that graduated with their mom […]
Paden works at the Harrison Career Center where he teaches mathematics. He shows up every day and is always willing to help students. He shows up every day and rarely misses. He has only taken a single sick day in the last 6 years. He has gone above and beyond the last few years with […]
Dan Pinkston is in his fifteenth year as the director of bands at Monarch PK-8 School where he conducts the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands and has the privilege of getting to start the 5th Grade beginners at all of the Monarch area elementary schools! Teaching band gives students a lifelong appreciation for music, […]
I am nominating my sister, Lauren Chao. Lauren Chao has been teaching in Brooklyn for 10+ years and has dedicated herself to her students. Lauren has experience in all grades from pre-k to fifth grade. She is so passionate about teaching; her approach to teaching is so fun, motivating and encouraging. She creates costumes and […]
Erick Stallings is a middle school band director at a Title 1 school, a position that does not often receive a lot of attention or praise. Nonetheless, Erick has quietly but meaningfully changed the lives of so many middle schoolers during some of their most critical years. Many of Erick’s students come to school FOR […]
Ms. Putney has been inspiring students and colleagues throughout her teaching career. She is a 2 time State Winner of the Disney Environmentality Challenge. Her students clean up streets, adopt highways, reduce lunchbox litter, & help protect sea turtles. She has monthly beach clean ups. Her students meet with government officials and study policies that […]
Elaine Niehauser is pure joy both in and out of the classroom. An Intervention Specialist, Elaine leads a classroom of high school students with moderate to severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. Ms. N provides her students a well-rounded education by teaching academic and transition skills while ensuring basic hygiene needs are met “even donating toothbrushes, […]
I am completing my 41st year in public education. I have taught elementary, middle school and high school students in my career. I have been a school counselor and witnessed the emotional and mental health struggles of young children and their families. My greatest joy has come from serving students with special needs in five […]
Megan is a hardworking and passionate educator and advocate. She is dedicated to helping every single one of her students and invests in them deeply. Megan is a diamond in the rough and not afraid to fight for what she knows is right. It has been a rough year for all educators but Megan has […]
Mary Clare Duplantis Tarpley is the wife of Brad Tarpley and mother of Mary Margaret and Lucas. She and her family are members of First United Methodist Church. Tarpley graduated with a BS and MS in Early Childhood and Reading Education from Valdosta State University. She also obtained an EdS in Elementary Education. With 25 […]
Laura is a selfless, engaged, and dedicated 3rd grade math & science teacher. She got her master’s and is pursuing a Phd because she is so interested in teaching math/science in a way that will resonate with her students and keep them interested. She uses an oven on a cart in school to cook with […]
Shannon is one of the most selfless educators I know! As a Special Educator she advocates for the needs of students and their families! In addition she is a phenomenal PE teacher who had kids moving, even virtually, all pandemic long. She coaches basketball and track, helps struggling readers develop the skills they need, pushes […]
The first time I met Mr.Monast was in 7th grade doing an introduction of ourselves. I normally dread this part of any class but he ensured that each student was heard and respected. He commented on each student’s stories. I remember being so impressed that he knew enough to accurately comment on my peers’ interests. […]
Ms.Dorch is a fun-loving educator that works hard for her students. I often hear her say, “I just try to be the teacher that I want/wanted for my daughters.” She not only works hard for her students but her school as well. Colleagues know they can depend on her for an encouraging word, helping hand, […]
Mrs. Story is a 7th grade teacher for Knox County Schools. Mrs. Story Is a compassionate dedicated educator who is committed to her students, community and coworkers. She works tirelessly every day to enrich the lives of Karns Middle School students. One of the most effective ways to learn is through traveling and visiting new […]
I am nominating my wife, Linda Fisher Garrett, for your Giving Joy to Teachers Contest. She has taught school for over 30 years. Linda attended Central Elementary and teaches there, too. Since she grew up in the community, she has a relationship with the students, their parents, and their grandparents. Linda has even taught the […]
Kayley is an amazing 1st grade teacher. She is about to finish up her 4th year teaching with all 4 years being at the same school. This past year I watched her grow from being a teacher, to taking leadership of being the Team Leader of 1st grade, as well as a mentor to a […]
Neil is a wonderful teacher who always makes time for his students. His passion and experience makes learning the material easy. He may be short but he makes up for it with a huge personality. You just want to go to the classes he teaches. He is also a life long student, always coming to […]
Cam has unwavering student devotion with enthusiastic passion to bring joy to his classroom. Over his 10 years of classroom experience he has mastered the ever-changing world of technology and is consistently using new apps and teaching tools to engage his students. He is a world traveler to 39 countries and he uses those experiences […]
Lauren is one of the most giving, special people. She is currently teaching Kindergarten at a Title I school. She makes learning fun. She teaches academics and so much more. She would never list all of the things she does. That’s not why she does it. She provides opportunities for her students that are needed […]
Christopher is the best kindergarten teacher I’ve ever seen. Though I may be biased Bc I’m his wife, I see the strategies his students use that many secondary students still have not mastered. He has his students cooperatively solve problems, partner together to work, and present to the class individually on microphones. Aside from his […]
Beth exemplifies what a teacher should be… caring, concerned, making learning fun, but above all cares about each and everyone of her students… students themselves who will be influencing the lives of other students. Beth serves in higher education teaching students to be teachers…. By her profile you can tell how much she is indebted […]
My sister is an amazingly hard working teacher who truly puts her students first. She has been a mentor to many of her students outside of the classroom. She is always accessible, enthusiastic and caring. She has two children of her own and her husband is also an educator. It’s in her blood as our […]
Elizabeth is the hardest working teacher. She has taught in the roughest and most at-risk school in her county for 15 years. She gives her all to her students often paying for things out of her own pocket. She ensures her kids are loved and supported even if the family life is different for them. […]
Zaymara is a great English teacher for kindergarten to third grade students in Jesus M. Suarez Elementary school. The students love her creative way to teach and hoe she interact with them. She is very responsible and dedicate.
After ten years in the business world, I remember Leslie expressing: “I don’t feel like I am contributing anything to the world.” So with family support, she worked toward her dream of becoming a teacher. She studied for 18 months, while working full time, parenting, and travelling 90 minutes from home each Friday evening to […]
Miss McClure has been teaching kindergarten for 16 years. She is a teacher who students come to visit years after leaving elementary school and also gets invited to high school and college graduations. Students tell her that their love of learning came from her enthusiastic energy in Kindergarten. She has gone to students birthday parties […]
After working for 35 years as a teacher, I have been a friend, teacher and role model to so many students over the years. I have attended their weddings and still share moments of joy and happiness with them.
Marc has been fundamental in helping the school district adapt to a COVID-influenced world. Marc developed and implemented a Cyber Academy for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. At the peak of COVID, approximately 30% of students across the district participated in the Cyber Academy. As education has returned closer to normal, the number of […]
Micki or Ms. C as the kids would say, has been a teacher in New York City for 9 years. She is a devoted teacher that goes above and beyond for her students. She has taken on the mother role to all students regardless of their situation. Micki is supportive of her students which included […]
Coach Burns is crazy! That’s the most common expression you will hear kids say when describing Dennis Burns. This is not an insult, but a compliment. He is full of energy and the gym is full of laughter. He builds a safe culture so that the most reluctant student who may have issues with self-esteem […]
Ms. Briatico is our school’s HERO! One of her students was drinking water & the water cap got stuck in his throat. Immediately, she administered the Heimlich Maneuver on him & SAVED his life! Student was going limp & she did not stop until the cap popped out of his mouth! His parents are eternally […]
I would like to nominate Zachery Sminkey. I thought this would be a wonderful way to honor a teacher who gives so much of himself, year after year, to his students. Zack’s mother was also a teacher. She had cancer but taught through her battle until her passing. \\ I believe her courage taught Zack […]
Jeff Price is a teacher who never stops giving. He teaches a complicated middle school math class that engages students and prepares them for success in higher level math through his clear teaching and constant willingness to help, whether that’s providing his private cell number to parents or assisting students before or after school or […]
My wife is an amazing, inspiring teacher who gives up her free time after school in tutoring to make sure her students learn biology. Even when she’s faced with difficult challenges in our family lives, she stays the course and teaches on! Our children have had serious medical obstacles and others would’ve given up. Heather […]
She was a nurse for 30years plus. Then she decided to become a medical educator and share her knowledge and experiences with a new generation of professionals. This year she is celebrating twentieth years of teaching. I’ve never meet someone so dedicated to her students as she. She goes above and beyond for her students. […]
Ms. Burrall is a great teacher!! She always makes learning Spanish so much fun! She incorporates what we need to cover in class in interesting ways such as studying our vocabulary by having friendly competitions and by doing fun activities like bingo and go-fish. During the summer she spends her time helping in a school […]
Mrs. Willie has been my colleague and my daughter’s music teacher for the past six years. To say she makes concerts absolutely magical is an understatement!! She is so fun, creative and brings so much life and joy to music for our kids! At a recent concert, I overheard the parents behind me say “I […]
Ms. Ashley Tarin is a phenomenal teacher who consistently goes out of her way to effectively instruct and inspire her students to learn and do their best. Ms. Tarin took on the role as our grades 5/6 independent study teacher this year for those students who, for health reasons, could not return to in-person instruction. […]
Darren Passey has been educating the young minds of our future leaders for 3 decades. He is truly outstanding in his discipline of mathematics. Darren instills a desire to find different ways to solve real life examples of math. He is personable, caring and shows concern for the junior high kids under his care each […]
Teaching during the pandemic has been a challenge but Professor Rivera has engaged his students and motivated his students far beyond our expectations. His creative strategies and methodologies, to teaching us rap songs to remember formulas are innovative ways to captivate our attention in mathematics! No one is ever bored in his class! This professor […]
Dan is the most caring, engaging, and exception teacher I haver met. His students and parents love him. As his wife I get to see the time and passion he has put in for 12 years. He gets daily messages from students about changing their lives.
Mr Rodney Savickis is a Awesome High school teacher , 33 years who’s so involved with his Career.. Dedicated to students and community as well as other staff members. He teaches high school drama and music theather. Also takes students around the world to experience . He also volunteers at the community theather. He builds […]
Mr.Thompson is a very good teacher using is abilites to make class a fun and different atmostsphere. Math class becomes a class that everyone enjoys when Coach Thompson is working along with his students. With this nomination we repsent all the students that thank Coach in his craft on or off the diamond of the […]
Mrs. McDonnell has devoted her career to helping students believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. She taught for 12 years and is now a middle school counselor. She has also done many extra-curricular activities over her career to impact students’ lives–such as coach basketball, softball and track; advise Student Council, Key Club and Model […]
Mrs. Kumar is a Kindergarten teacher. She believes that imagination is more important than knowledge and she inspires her kids to be creative thinkers.
Mrs Cooley goes above and beyond for her students. She tries to make learning as engaging as possible, from rewards to classroom transformations. Her passion for students wellbeing and educational growth is remarkable. She has been nominated as teacher of the year for her building and will find out those results May 27th. Her selfless […]
Tiffiny is fun, loving and caring. She is from a small community, and this allows her to connect to her students on a deeper level. Health and happiness go hand in hand, so she loves to teach Health Education because she wants nothing but the best future for her students. For years she has been […]
Amazing teacher, mother, and overall person!!! She is a 20+ year veteran teacher who is incredibly successful and recognized as one of the top high school directors in the state. Her choirs have consistently been judged as Superior in state competitions. Orr’s choirs have regularly been asked to perform at state and national conferences as […]
As a former student of Chef Cumberledge, I can say that she is one of the most kind, caring, and impactful teachers I have ever met. Through her culinary class, she is able to establish relationships with kids that are having trouble and help them reach their full potential. She does this through advising, tutoring, […]
I am nominating my friend and coworker Dominique Scarzafava, a graduate of Middletown High School in 2012, who returned in 2019 as a Biology Special Education teacher, a Title 1 district in the City of Middletown , New York. Our student’s in our district have many needs. This is where Ms. Scarzafava shines in her […]
I nominate Michelle Combs for this year’s Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy Award. Michelle has been teaching 8th grade for over 15 years in Broward County, FL. For anyone with a middle school child, I shouldn’t have to say anything more than she teaches 8th graders, and that should be enough to win. But I […]
I nominate Ms. Giordano for the Amazing Teacher’s Award sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line. She is an exceptional teacher, the kind a child will remember for their entire lives. She’s inspiring, patient, and challenging all at the same time. She is the perfect combination of silly and serious. She wants each child to grow to […]
Ms. Boyd is an educator with decades of experience showing the upmost in care and attention to her students and their surrounding educational environments. She believes in pushing her students to their highest potential by building sincere relationships with them and their families. She goes out of her way to attend their extracurricular activities and […]
Tammy is the sweetest and most caring vocal/piano teacher I have ever encountered! She more than deserves a cruise as a thank you fir her many years of service to our kids!
My wife puts her heart into teaching her students every day. She is the most dedicated and hard working teacher I know!
Mrs. Renfro teaches a class called College Seminar. It informs and prepares 10th grade students to navigate the college application process. Located in the most diverse zip code in the state of Tennessee, many of her students are first generation college students. This class is an invaluable part to them as they approach the very […]
Natalie is the best teacher a school has to offer. she has found a way to make a challenging and rigorous program fun for the students! Not only does she give 1000% she does it because she wants to make a difference and it shows
Michael Olender is the hardest working and most dedicated to his craft and students. As a high school choral and theatre arts teacher, his productions are top notch. His endless hours of hard work and dedication makes this master teacher worthy of this award. His students are his number one fans!
Dr. Pam is more than a teacher, she is also an Author, Mentor, entrepreneur and a Nurse Practitioner who gives her all to help others. She is the owner of a primary care clinic, adjunct instructor of Nurse Practitioner students at the university level and the Founder and President of a non-profit organization called Escape […]
Mrs. Lyon epitomizes the theme of bringing Joy to the lives of her students. As a math teacher with Orange County Virtual School in Orlando, Florida, she goes above and beyond to ensure that students from different backgrounds have a fun and engaging place to come together and learn. Her work became even more important […]
Our daughter Stephanie has been teaching for 15 years ,but it didn’t start there ! It all began at age 6 when she wanted me to buy a chalkboard for the basement , I built one for her instead . Her younger sister was her main student ( wait, her only student !!) but many […]
This is my mom and my former sixth grade teacher. She is an inspiration to all of her students, but most importantly me. My mom is always there helping out all of her students and listening to them. She is always trying to find new ways to help her students learn math and science in […]
Allison is an amazing teacher! She keeps her students learning and having a great experience daily in her classroom. She goes above and beyond keeping the parents informed about the children and the progress of each individual student. She includes all students in all activities. Her classroom is so welcoming, and everyone enjoys learning in […]
I have been teaching in Broward County Public School system for 33 years. I need a nice vacation before I retire. I have touched and planted seeds in many lives. I have students who look me up on FB to tell me thank you for believing and not giving up on them. There are so […]
Mrs. Davis is the most caring, organized, passionate teacher! Despite the difficulty of the past few years, she has built an extremely successful Healthcare Pathway at our school teaching anatomy and providing students with healthcare internship opportunities. She was suddenly forced into teaching online with two little kids at home when we shut down, and […]
Nomination for Kristy Dube As a Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Dube is the teacher that everyone hopes their child receives. Each child who has her as a teacher receives special attention and is celebrated for their accomplishments. Her passion for learning is infectious and students excel in her classroom. As the 2020 Penobscot Teacher of the […]
It takes a very special person to be a teacher and Mrs. Marni Clinton fits the bill! With her amazing heart and love for her kiddos, she embraces each new day with compassion, dedication and a desire to help the kids learn and grow. Mrs. Clinton treats all her kids as if they were her […]
Mrs. Foster was my Spanish teacher during my freshmen year of high school. I was privileged enough to have her again my senior year for a Service Learning class. Nobody I know is more deserving of such an award. Mrs. Foster has always been the first to step up to the plate, inspiring everyone around […]
When you like what you do you give your 100% at what you do. I have been a educator for 22 years and I love what I do. I enjoy making my students smarter and more independent every day that goes by. I enjoy teaching them their letters and numbers but I really enjoy teaching […]
Mr. Bennett has been the Director of Choirs at Middletown High School in Middletown, New York for the past 27 year’s. He has cultivated and built up an outstanding choral music program, which boasts four (4) in-school performing ensembles, as well as an extra-curricular show choir, the Middletown High School Pipers. The ensembles have traveled […]
I have worked with Aleksandra for the past 4 years. She truly is an inspiration. She is amazing and is so caring towards her students. She has chosen to dedicate her career to children with disabilities and it truly is her calling. Even when her days are challenging in her classroom, she still comes out […]
They broke the mold when they gave us Mr. Albert. He not only teaches us content but encourages us and believes in us. He gives us the tools to do our best and helps us when we need it. Teaching at Stoneman Douglas High School has its unique challenges but Mr. Albert finds a way […]
Teacher of the Year at GW Carver Elementary school. Signora Navarro has been the Italian Lead teacher for the last 18 years at her school. She has led this 22-year program to what it is today. She is extremely passionate about her job and dedicates countless hours to her students and families with all her […]
When Jason began teaching theatre at South Plantation High School 18 years ago, he soon realized by observing how deaf students communicate that the needs of students could be served through Deaf Theatre and incorporated American Sign Language into every mainstage production, ensuring that all shows are available to everyone. He has been a foster […]
Our botany teacher, Mr.Greene is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! He is very energetic, interactive, and very funny. He makes up creative ways for us to learn about plants and how to protect the environment. Every week he makes up a game for us to play regarding plants, and it is very […]
Mrs. Ferguson, lovingly known as “Ferg” is by far the most loved teacher in all of Fishers High School. Ferg teaches AP Environmental Science, Genetics, and Biology at FHS and works tirelessly for her students all year. Not a day goes by where her classes don’t share a laugh together, and she is truly one […]
My nomination for Louis “Luke” Haddad for a cruise is two-fold, once as a parent and once as a fellow educator. As a parent I am grateful for the enthusiasm that he brings to his classroom every day. My introverted son feels seen by Mr. Haddad and has developed an interest in history because of […]
Mr. Travis Ian Cuckler has been the Director of Instrumental and Choral Music at Gallistel Language Academy on Chicago’s Southeast Side since 2013. At Gallistel, Mr. Cuckler instructs the Band, Choral, Orchestral, General Music and Guitar programs and is currently enriching over 600 student’s lives with a fully rounded music education. The Gallistel Band, Choir […]
THE PROPELLER One of the most astonishing features of a cruise ship are the relatively small propellers that are underneath the waterline. These small rotating blades work tirelessly to propel the ship and passengers forward to a desired destination. Often times, passengers see the wake that the propellers create and admire the beauty. Most of […]
There are many reasons I want to nominate Dawn Sommers! 1. Dawn is an Oak Park teacher. Right there, the fact that she is dedicated and committed to our kids means she deserves to win this!! 2. She shows love and care for each and every student to help them succeed! 3. She is in […]
There is no year more influential in a student’s life than Kindergarten, and Jennifer Hammer has provided an unparalleled foundation for academic accomplishment in her ‘Hammerville Castle’ for over two decades. As a teacher for 23 years, 21 of which have been teaching Gifted Kindergarten at Waters Edge Elementary, Mrs. Hammer truly is one of […]
Mrs. McAfee’s love for students is undeniable! She refers to EVERY student as “My Child’ť and “My Fave’ť because she wants them to know how special they are. Her goal is that after they walk out of her classroom, they will know that they are loved and that they can do amazing things. Every day […]
Jennifer is an amazing teacher, mother, wife and friend. She is constantly giving back to her school by working closely with her students and fellow teachers to improve education for everyone in the school, not just those in her class. During the pandemic she was a resource for technology and never once gave up on […]
As Class of 2023 president I can say that Ms. Loria is truly one of the best teachers you can find in this community. She always puts her students first, helping the Class of 2023 raise money for their prom. On the weekends she is always organizing events or designing new merchandise to sell in […]
Stacey has been teaching Math and college math for over 30 years at Lorain High School, which is a inner city urban school. Ninety percent are on free lunch. During that time, she has taken numerous students under her wing and helped them monetarily, emotionally and physically with ACT fees, dorm needs, graduation fees, college […]
As an educator for 17 years, Jennifer never seizes to amaze me. She has a passion to her students like I have never seen. She is naturally motivated to make a difference. She teaches a course called Peer Counseling which teaches Social Emotional Learning. This leadership course is geared towards kindness and empathy. She hosts […]
Mrs. Cartagena started her career in education 22 years ago, teaching 5th grade. When her daughter was 3, a speech pathologist told her that her daughter would need a device to speak. She didn’t want her daughter to use a device, but the therapist said if she didn’t follow her recommendations, she would need to […]
Mrs.Louie is a hardworking and caring educator. She is extremely understanding and cares about all of her students. Mrs.Louie touches the hearts of every student she works with. She loves being a teacher and making a difference in others lives. She is well rounded and loves to help her colleagues and others. Mrs.Louie is a […]
Mr. Satterfield is a stakeholder on campus by teaching all levels of high schoolers and instilling a love of learning and civic duty. He is our campus Voting Deputy Registrar, where he helps not only students, but everyone in the community to register to vote and participate in the voting process. He not only shines […]
Vanessa Knight is an awesome teacher who works tirelessly for her students and makes learning interesting and fun. She takes the time to craft lessons that encourage students to think critically and analytically about the content and how it affects life and the world around them. Each weekend, she prepares and shares the upcoming weekly […]
Changing lives and taking names. My family has had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Levake when our oldest son, Brody was placed in her 1st grade class. Brody is now 15 and Sharon is still at the center of his life and ours. The moment we met her, not only was she warm and welcoming, […]
Mr. Paterniti has to be one of the most heartfelt teachers and most deserving of this award. Speaking for our class, we all recognize his appreciation for biology. He’s so loving and caring, and if you were to spend just 5 seconds with him, you would soon realize that he wants nothing but the best […]
Bryan Rivera Medina is a young special education teacher under the Puerto Rico Department of Education. This educator bets daily on the conquest of new challenges, rights and a great impulse of continuity and support for the academic recovery of his students with Autism. The past hurricanes, earthquakes, and the pandemic, presented extraordinary circumstances that […]
I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Jennifer Broad to nominate! Jennifer is a Kindergarten teacher at Frankford public school in Frankford Ontario Canada. She has 28 children (ages 4/6) in her class every single day!! Her class is split between junior kinder and senior kinders so she is running constantly all day long! […]
Mr. Stirpe is a teacher in our PAVE program at New Rochelle High School. He is an innovative, tech savvy, hands on mentor for students of all skill levels. His background in Theater and Film affords him the ability to combine two of his interests to reach all students, helping students to see and reach […]
Theresa has been a teacher in Broward County for 34 years and has impacted the lives of thousands of students. This year, one of her students won a national contest for her essay on the Holocaust. Theresa and her student were honored at the local museum. Theresa and her student worked long and hard on […]
NCL nomination Mrs Hosmer has been a dedicated teacher for over 35 years. A widowed breast cancer survivor she teaches tirelessly not only her normal day school position but she also teachers at an alternative high school in the evening. She also helps students who are unable to attend school due to illness. She treats […]