2022

Sergio de alba

Los Banos, CA | YEARS TAUGHT: 20

​Mr. de Alba feels that “Student learning is centered on taking a detailed account of the learners being served and developing a unique program to create an enriching and relevant learning environment that improves academics and social-emotional growth. Students see me as someone who imparts confidence and a sense of self-worth, characteristics vital at this age to gain future success.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
​​FELLOWSHIPS
2022 Grosvenor Teacher Research Fellowship - Antarctica                                
2022 Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellowship - Japan                                                                                
2022 NEA Global Learning Fellowship - Peru                                            
2021-2022 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship - Washington, DC                
2021 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching - STEM in Columbia                                                 
NATIONAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS   
2021 Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award - President Joe Biden                                               
2020 Gilder Lehrman National Social Studies Teacher of the Year                                                         
2020 Dolly Parton's Chasing Rainbows Teacher of the Year                                   
2019 National Council for the Social Studies Elementary Teacher of the Year                                     
2019 Henry Ford Innovator Teacher Award                    

Robert Fenster

Hillsborough, NJ | YEARS TAUGHT: 28

​His advice to a beginning teacher:  “Never underestimate your power.  You can lift children up with meaningful praise or destroy them with belittling sarcasm and insults.  Your constructive criticism can be the difference between proficiency and mastery.  And your human connection to a child in need can save a life.  Remind yourself of this daily.” 
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:​
​2021                Paul A. Gagnon Prize from National Council for History Education
2019                Swensrud Teacher Fellowship, Massachusetts Historical Society
2019                Secondary Education Teacher of the Year from New Jersey Council for Social
                        Studies               
2019                Law-Related Education Teacher of the Year from American Lawyers Alliance
2018                William Reese Fellowship, Crystal Bridges Museum
2017                Claes Nobel Top Ten Educator of the Year from National Society of High School   
​                        Scholars
2011                Teacher of the Year, Jewish Guild for the Blind’s Guild Scholar Program
2007               Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Award from Amherst College
2006               Teacher of the Year, Institute for Domestic and International Affairs

Leila Kubesch

norwood, oh  | Years Taught: 25

Her advice to a beginning teacher: “Make use of the wealth of resources available to you; seek ways to develop partnerships with colleagues, students, and their families; write grants to create opportunities for innovative learning experiences when budgets are otherwise limited’ and connect with community members in order to make education equitable, engaging, and meaningful.”  
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:​
2021                NEA Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence
2021                NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
2020               National Toyota Family Teacher of the Year
2020               Ohio Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist (CCSSO)
2019                NEA Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award
2003               National Board Certification
2000              Fulbright Hays Fellowship
​

Kareem neal

Phoenix, AZ | Years Taught: 23

His advice to a beginning teacher:  “Get to know your students.  Don’t make assumptions about what your students are like based on where they live, what they look like, or how they learn.  Build a strong classroom community, and that will help with behavior, connection, and the effort students give in your class.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:​
2019                Arizona Teacher of the Year (CCSSO)
2018                Arizona Education Association Diversity Award
2017                Phoenix Union High School District Teacher of the Year
2016                Maryvale Revitalization Corporation Educator Excellence Award
​

Christopher Poulos

Redding, CT | Years Taught: 21

His advice to a beginning teacher:  “Be kind, have fair expectations, and let students know you care.  With this mantra in place, your students will come to school engaged and ready to learn, allowing you to share your wisdom and to enable future generations to grow into productive citizens, as they live the lives they dream.”
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:​
2016                  Fund for Teachers Fellow
2015                  Connecticut State Department of Education Excellence in Education Award
2013 – 2015     Teacher-Leader in Residence, Connecticut State Department of Education
2013 – 2014     Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow
2012 – 2013     Aspen Institute Teacher Leader Fellow
2009 – 2029   National Board Certification (National Board for Professional Teaching
                          Standards)
2007                Connecticut Teacher of the Year