Sergio de albaLos Banos, CA | YEARS TAUGHT: 20Mr. 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 FensterHillsborough, NJ | YEARS TAUGHT: 28His 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 Kubeschnorwood, oh | Years Taught: 25Her 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 nealPhoenix, AZ | Years Taught: 23His 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 PoulosRedding, CT | Years Taught: 21His 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 |