Susan Shaw
Middlebury, CT

Elevated by Jennifer Albright

Dr. Sue Shaw is an amazing teacher and an incredibly generous person. Dr. Shaw has had a long career in teaching and shows no signs of slowing down. While Dr. Shaw has taught several grades throughout her long career, she currently teaches reading to fifth graders. Dr. Shaw is tireless in her commitment to get all children to reach their fullest potential. Dr. Shaw sees each child as capable no matter what challenges they may be facing. The students know that Dr. Shaw believes in them and they respect her. Dr. Shaw communicates with parents, meets with students, and hosts a homework club to help children complete their homework. Dr. Shaw is a talented teacher who works collaboratively with her grade level colleagues, school colleagues, and region colleagues. Dr. Shaw is a mentor to new teachers and also serves on several committees. She is the grade level representative at advisory council and also represents the school at the region-wide professional development committee. Dr. Shaw lives a generous life of community service outside of school as well. I know of no one more deserving of this honor.

Dr. Shaw's superpower is her kind spirit.

Todd Freer
Zion, IL

Elevated by William Freer

Thank you for your support of reading and of reading teachers.

This really short note is about one of my heroes: Our 50-year old son Todd. He is a dual-language library teacher for kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grades in Zion, Illinois, an underserved community. He knows that young is the time to get them reading no matter where they live and what their circumstances.

Todd will do anything in his power to build his library program. On a district budget of 0.

Yes, zero. Which of course means he spends his own money, scrounges for contributions and writes grants. Thousands of dollars of grants.

He dyed his hair green to get kids talking about ecology and Earth Day. He hung clocks set to the time zones of his kids’ home countries (six zones!). He created “Buddy the Book Beast” and showed up wearing a cape to promote reading. Like I said, anything.

I attached one picture of Todd flying through the library space (thank you Photoshop). On the far wall you'll see his kid-friendly books with a pictorial indexing system (great for non-English speakers too) and all around you'll see things that capture the interests of his kids.

When he's at home he's cataloging new books, making posters and signs in two languages and teaching his ten year old son about the importance of reading.

Here’s the point: as you continue to support teachers, please consider Todd and his little ones. He deserves the recognition but would never say so. Others deserve it as well, but Todd is not just a hero to us, his parents, but to so many of those kids as well.

Todd's Superpower: He can fly!

Sally Clark
Las Vegas, NV

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mrs. Clark is an advocate for special needs students and is an outstanding support for her daughter. I had the opportunity to meet her in person this summer as a fellow member of Alane Adam's Between the Pages Teacher Ambassadors. I am excited to be one of the teachers entrusted to have this title along with 98 others across this country. I haven't known her long but she has definitely made a lasting impression in our cohort group. She is kind, supportive, and above all else a devoted educator. Just one smile from Sally lights up your day and you know things will be alright. She is truly deserving of this elevation.

Sally's Superpower: Ability to relate to students' academic weaknesses and help bring out their strengths

Emily Anderson
Williston, ND

Elevated by Jennifer Boettger

Emily Westphal is a middle school orchestra teacher in North Dakota. She is in her third year of teaching. When she accepted her job, there was not an orchestra program in the town. She start with 30 students in grades 7-8. She has grown the program to over 180 students including 6th graders. Music is so important and she strives to support all of her students and they know how much she cares about them.

Emily continues to grow her practice and is always striving to learning techniques that will support her variable learners.

Emily's Superpower: Empathy

Erika Berger
Troy, MI

Elevated by Melissa Dodge

Erika Berger is the perfect example of humble passion. She continuously goes above and beyond for both colleagues and students. I know I can always lean on Erika for cross curricular support and collaboration. Erika is often the teacher we recommend for students who need that extra special connection with a teacher. Her authentic teaching style and child first approach to teaching makes her in-demand.

Erika does not ask for nor receive the celebration she deserves. During the pandemic she hand wrote a note and mailed it to each of her upwards of 150 students. Erika once had a student who came to her 7th grade class as his first experience outside of being homeschooled, she worked hours with him on her own time to help him get organized and adapt to the public school world.

Teachers who worked with Erika when she was a long term sub immediately after graduation still speak of what a gift she was to them. When Erika applied to teach at the school that hosted her for student teaching, the staff rallied for her and demanded she be hired, all afraid of losing such a gem of a teacher.

Erika Berger's students know she cares, they can lean on her, and know she will do whatever it takes to help them. She is an incredible team player and values building relationships with staff and students. Erika Berger is an incredible teacher with passion that runs deep and humility that often hides her wonderfulness.

Erika's Superpower: Humble Passion

Debby Sullivan
Johns Creek, GA

Elevated by Camille Christopher

I am nominating our K-2 literacy coach, Debby Sullivan. Debby is very deserving of this award. She supports our teachers with literacy instruction, works with children in grades K-2 to provide literacy interventions, and supports our teachers with their LETRS literacy training. She educates our families on our literacy curriculum and how they can support their children at home to grow as readers. Our teachers are going through a lot of changes in how they teach literacy and she has been a wonderful resource as their coach!

Debby's Superpower: Magical! Debby has been magical in supporting our literacy initiatives.

Heather Ewing
St. Petersburg, FL

Elevated by Jillian Aprile

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Ewing embodies what an extraordinary teacher should be. She teaches 12th-grade English, including AP Literature and AP Research. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Ewing continues to be an involved educator as a Tampa Bay Area Writing Project Teacher Consultant, Pinellas County Outstanding Educator of the Year Nominee, and a Poynter Writing Institute Participant. She is filled with a contagious passion and love for teaching, reading, and writing. She has the ability to take education to a new level where my classmates and I are imbued with unique interests, endless inspiration, and the sense of being unstoppable when it comes to reading and writing. Whether it be poems, short stories, or novels, Mrs. Ewing illuminates the class with love for literature and analysis, from having my class dress in Elizabethan attire to present our Shakespeare Hamlet projects to creating a "Healing Through Words" poetry club. Some people were meant to be teachers and positively influence the youth of this world, and Mrs. Ewing is definitely one of those people. She ensures that every student is noticed and urges them to share their perspectives and ideas. This allows her classroom to become a diverse and exploratory place with limitless opportunities. As a senior in high school awaiting graduation, I can assure you that Mrs. Ewing is a teacher I will never forget. I am forever thankful that I had the privilege to be her student due to her endless kindness, devotion, and enthusiasm.

Mrs. Ewing's Superpower: Making education magical. She spreads love, passion, and inspiration like fairy dust.

Daretta Wilson
Maxwell, TX

Elevated by Bruce Wilson

I am nominating my wife. She goes above and beyond to help her students. She has for years, went in early and stayed late offering tutoring for her students. She doesn't do it for the pay, she does it to make sure that each child is successful. She secretly makes sure that all her students have the necessary supplies needed for class, to include shoes for those who wear shoes with holes in them. She gives away old games and toys that were used in class, but now might need to be replaced. She teaches her students that it is better to give than to receive by promoting can food and clothing drives within her class. She attends her students' basketball, soccer, and pee wee football games, along with also attending birthday parties that she is invited to. She reads positive affirmation stories each morning and chapter books every afternoon to her students. She gives her students the gift of reading by holding book campaigns each year through Scholastic Books, ensuring that each child takes home at least three books for the summer. She eats private lunches with her students on their birthdays, making them feel special. She is the ambassador for DonorsChoose.org where she creates projects that will help support student learning and success. Most importantly, she is a doctoral candidate advocating for a better reading program at her school. She is a thought leader. She has a passion for education, and she makes sure her students see it.

Daretta’s Superpower: Building relationships. Mrs. Wilson builds relationships with students and parents, therefore increasing student academic and emotional growth.

Katie Reilley
Elburn, IL

Elevated by Cindy Babich

Katie is an amazing ELA teacher who is a huge advocate for children’s literacy in our school and district! She eagerly shares her passion for books with everyone she meets, and has sparked a true love of reading in her students. Katie has connected students with authors, bringing them in to the classroom to talk with students about being a writer. Her passion for literature is contagious, and her students are lucky to have her as a mentor!

Katie’s superpower is reading - her passion for books and literacy is contagious!

Jennifer Albright
Middlebury, CT

Elevated by Christina O'Neill

Jen is an amazing colleague in every sense of the word. She is a super organized, collaborative, and caring teammate. Jen teaches fifth grade writing and because she is so organized, she is able to keep track of the many individual needs of all fifth grade students in our building. With a rotating schedule and many school wide activities, Jen assists her team in making changes to their daily schedule in order to prioritize learning activities for the students. Jen works tirelessly to help each student meet their full potential in class and outside of the school day. This year she is helping run a before school coding club and an after school homework club. Jen not only works with fifth grade students to help them achieve, she also serves as a Team Mentor in our district, supporting new teachers.

This year has been particularly challenging as the entire fifth grade team moved into new portable classrooms--midyear! This meant teaching in other teachers' spaces for the first half of the year while trying to get back into a fully normalized school year post-Covid. Without skipping a beat, Jen created a beautiful, inviting new classroom (while teaching in the shared space) and right after winter break, she welcomed her class into their new homeroom.

Jen's superpower is her organization, collaboration and caring. She cares deeply about meeting the needs of her students and she works closely with her colleagues to do just that.

Paige Moran
Forest Hills, NY

Elevated by Omar Sosa

Paige is an exceptional educator. She is always going above and beyond for her students. When classes first went remote in 2020, she made and sent home bookmarks to show each student that she was thinking of them and she still cared. For the 2020-2021 school year when all of her classes were remote she raised money to buy books for every student so they could read and annotate and get a break from the screens. She encouraged passion projects for students to complete while in quarantine at home. Paige works with ENL students in New York City and has helped create a Saturday school program for the students to learn and practice their English in new and exciting ways, through group projects about their home countries, researching cultural celebrations, and even designing sneakers that reflect who they are. Paige dedicates her time both in and outside of the classroom to making sure her students have what they need to succeed, and if they don’t she works to help rectify that. Paige is an exception educator who deserves to be elevated!

Paige's Superpower: Compassion. Paige not only shows compassion to her students everyday, but to her coworkers and fellow staff members as well. Her understanding and compassion elevate her because she genuinely cares about the health, safety, and wellbeing of her students. And not just those currently in her classroom. Paige checks in with her former students in the halls and evens pops into classes to see how they’re doing.

Arlyncia Pina
Alexandria, VA

Elevated by Kristen Stump

Arlyncia is an amazing gift to her 3rd grade students and colleagues! She creates a classroom that is full of love and where students feel safe to learn, explore, and make mistakes. She uses a calm and peaceful voice to express the highest expectations. Children in her care are motivated and eager to stretch their potential. She sees each child in a positive growth mindset light. Her love of literacy is contagious! You don’t want to miss a second of her read aloud! Arlyncia shares her positive light with all staff she works with. She is a shoulder and support to fellow teachers, custodians, cafeteria staff, administrators, and many more! She is always going above and beyond to lift up her colleagues and make sure they feel loved and supported. She also shares her love of literacy with colleagues. She is always sharing hot off the press books and recruiting authors to speak with staff and students! Most recently she contacted an author of bilingual books to come share about writing in two languages! Arlyncia’s work inspires children and adults that surround her! She spends a lot of time on lifting others and deserves a spotlight on herself!

Arlyncia's Superpower: Unconditional love for students and education- no matter what comes her way she keeps her live for students and learning at the center!

Camden Harlan
Whitewater, WI

Elevated by Jessie Dugan

https://whitewaterbanner.com/whitewater-pride-rally-drew-large-group-to-celebrate-lgbtq-community/

The article above is from the first rally ever held in Whitewater. Camden was integral to its launch and success.

Camden is incredible... not just in the classroom as an ELA teacher, but because of the joy and passion she delivers on behalf of all students as a tireless advocate for them... in anyway they show up to school. She has been instrumental in establishing the GSA in our small community and in unapologetically ensuring students feel safe and seen in the small high school. The GSA has grown to the largest club in the entire school now, in part to her welcoming, thoughtful, and kind nature.

She's a teacher graduates come back to visit!

Camden's Superpower: Passionate advocacy for ALL students – especially LGBTQIA+ youth

John Gleason
Mount Laurel, NJ

Elevated by Erica Coonelly

John Gleason is the literal definition of a rockstar librarian and educator. He cares so deeply about his students and their love of the library. Relatively new to the librarianship field (but has been teaching for almost 2 decades), he's already made a huge impact on his students. He doesn't shy away from new technology, and has jumped in professionally joining his local and state school library organizations. When he started at a new school a few weeks after the school year had begun, it didn't take long for his students to realize that library was going to be their favorite special at school! He inspires his students to read, create, and immerse themselves in the library.

John's superpower is intuition – finding books that he knows his students will connect to and make an impact on them as readers.

Anna Owenby
Poplarville, MS

Elevated by Caleb Owenby

Anna is always looking for ways to inspire her students to be the best they can be. She plans engaging lessons for her students that require them to think critically, use creativity, and work together with classmates. She always has an encouraging word for her students and wants them to succeed. She greets students in the morning with a smile! She is always trying to grow professionally and models lifelong learning for her students. Her students look forward to coming to her music class each week. She inspires students to show respect for their teachers and classmates and rewards deserving students with the “Star Student Award.” Anna recently obtained her National Board Teacher certification. She sees the potential in each student, regardless of their background or ability. She is a supportive colleague, assisting other teachers with whatever they made need and going out of her way to make sure they feel appreciated. Anna’s students adore her and often come back to visit her after leaving the school. She is an exceptional teacher and is so deserving of this recognition!

Anna’s superpower is encouragement! She always has an encouraging word for her students and colleagues. She looks for the best in others and seeks opportunities to celebrate their hard work and achievements. She makes others feel valuable and appreciated.

Betty Jimenez
San Pedro, CA

Elevated by Jaden Gonzales

I want to nominate my mother Betty she has always been a dedicate teacher and a wonderful mother. She has dedicated everything to her job from countless sleepless nights, countless hours in the computer trying to get materials that her students need. She is always looking for ways into supporting the needs of her classroom. My mom loves her job just as much as we love her. She Kees calling her students "my kids" because that's how much she loves what she does. She deserves this nomination so much and I want her to know that we see all the hard work she has done for years and love and appreciate her!

Betty's Superpower: LOVE

Steph Luyt
Traverse City, MI

Elevated by Genevieve Minor

Steph is our elementary library coordinator for our district. She works to bring equality to all of our libraries by ensuring staffing and funding is a district priority. Collaboration with the technology department and regional ISD ensures teacher and paraprofessional support and literacy education. Most recently, she has teamed with a local non-profit to educate our community about Martin Luther King Jr. Her storywalks will be throughout the community for all. Families can reading and be active on their day off of school to honor MLK and the civil rights movement. Her passion, vision, and mission to provide outstanding programming in all of our school libraries is an asset to our students.

Steph's Superpower: Collaboration in the district, region, and community.

Elena Tnstead
Succasunna, NJ

Elevated by Karen Fasino

Elena is a remarkable educator! She is a 5th grade ELA teacher. She reads aloud to her students everyday because she realizes the importance of modelng great reading. She hosts "chat and chew" book clubs and is featuring many fantastic books thru a March Madness reading bracket that she begins in September so her students have a lot of opportunities to read the selected titles. Her students are energized and are given many opportunities to read for pleasure! She truly believes that every child is a reader!

Elena's superpower is her passion and enthusiasm!

Ashley Sanem
Olathe, KS

Elevated by Karen Hammer

Ashley teaches Spanish in middle school. She went back to school for a second degree. EDUCATION! Her heart was always in the profession. She is a fierce advocate for her students.

Karen’s Superpower: Emotion

Stacey Rapp
Santa Maria, CA

Elevated by Mrs. S

We are ending our three week Christmas break and normally my kids aren’t that excited to go back to school.

This year however, my middle child has been counting down the days for a solid week until she can be back in Mrs. Rapp’s class once again.

If that doesn’t say at all, I don’t know what well. Mrs. Rapp makes learning come alive for my daughter. Elevator bank she loves Disney and we always like to say that Mrs. Rapp is pure Disney magic.

Not only does she make learning fun and exciting for the students in her class, my daughter has come home so many times telling us about what she has learned not just academically, but what she has learned about being a kind, caring and compassionate human. The family that Mrs. Rapp is building in that classroom of hers is truly something spectacular.

I always look forward to picking my kids up from school and asking my daughter what she has learned today, not just because I am an interesting parent, but I am genuinely excited to hear about what fun way Mrs. Rapp has talk to children something to help them retain it more. On top of that, I noticed my daughter explaining what she has learned to her big brother and I can see the covid learning gaps, becoming smaller and smaller with him because of what he is learning from his sister that Mrs. Rapp has taught her.

Oh, I truly wish my older son could’ve had her as a first grade teacher but unfortunately we were put on a waiting list to get in. I am very grateful that I have one younger child so after the school year is over we can look forward to having Mrs. Rapp in our lives once again.

Stacey’s Superpower: Making learning magical. Mrs. Rapp can turn any “boring skill quote into something magical, fun, and leaves the students wanting to learn more.

Cheryl Pelletier
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Kim Barnes

Cheryl Pelletier is a 6th grade Humanities teacher at Caribou Community School. Each year, Cheryl teachers students interview skills in her English classes and then takes her students to interview veterans at our local VFW Post. Students then write papers about the importance of veterans to our freedom. She was named the VFW Teacher of the Year in 2020 for this dedicated work.

Cheryl’s classroom is student centered and she is responsive to student needs as she builds relationships with her students.

Cheryl’s Superpower: Compassionate – Cheryl’s compassion for her students sets her apart.

Susan Keaton
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Kim Barnes

Susan Keaton teaches 7th grade Social Studies at Caribou Community School where she builds relationships with her students using engaging lessons and a heart of love.

Cognizant of inclusive practices, Susan’s classroom is a safe place for all students. Susan teaches tolerance, acceptance, and the power of words. Her impact can be felt on student lives long after they leave her classroom. It is not uncommon to walk by Susan’s classroom and see former students telling Susan about their successes and struggles, with Susan still encouraging and guiding with loving words of wisdom.

Susan works beyond the school day in an after school transition center where she continues to support student learning. Her ability to build confidence in all students inspiring.

Susan's Superpower: Problem solver – Susan can solve any problem with outside the box thinking.

Twyla Learnard
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Heather Anderson

Twyla Learnard is a middle level special education teacher at Caribou Community School. Twyla lifts up her students and her colleagues through kindness and compassion. She is always ready to lend an ear and is one of the first to offer help. She's a strong problem solver and takes the time to research and ask questions in order to find the best ways to meet her student's needs. In our district, Twyla is a teacher leader and serves on our humanities team. I was honored to be paired with her for our collaborative work on a middle-school-read project and have been so inspired by her creativity and motivation to create engaging and diverse activities for multiple levels of learners. Twyla is so deserving of this honor.

Twyla's superpower is empathy. She understands her students at a whole other level and often knows just what to say to help them through whatever they are struggling with.

Holly Rhinebolt
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Kim Barnes

Holly Rhinebolt is a veteran teacher who understands that relationships are the heart of every classroom. She takes time to connect and build rapport with all
students, but most importantly with the students who need a positive adult in their corner.

Holly is in charge of CCS’s Sunshine Committee and plans and coordinates fun activities that brings staff together. Just this Christmas, she initiated a snowman hunt that brought laughter to every corner of our building. The queen of theme day fun, Holly’s gregarious and kind personality make all people feel at ease and welcomed.

Holly teaches Science and plans engaging and hands on learning experiences for all students. Learning through inquiry is a hallmark of her classroom.

Holly's Superpower: Cruise director – Holly leads all the fun, both in the classroom with her students and outside the classroom with staff!

Troy Barnes
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Heather Anderson

Troy Barnes puts the "T" in the word TEAM. Troy is an 8th grade math teacher at Caribou Community School and a favorite among his students. His easygoing manner and sense of humor contribute to his ability to form strong, positive relationships while helping students find success in his class. Troy also serves as the grade 6-8 boys' basketball coach and his skills as a teacher and coach interweave to motivate and inspire. As a member of his teaching team, I feel fortunate to be able to work with him. He is always thinking up new ways to engage students and get them excited about learning. Troy is so deserving of this honor.

Troy's superpower is Motivation. Through sense of humor, pep talks and words of encouragement he can get students excited about working and learning.

Stephanie Bresett
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Heather Anderson

Stephanie Bresett works tirelessly to inspire and empower her students. Stephanie is the district librarian at Caribou Community School and continually works to expand the her students' world through literacy and computer science. This past fall, she initiated a school-wide Computer Science Day where she invited local businesses into our school. Students had the opportunity to talk with business leaders and see connections between computer skills and how they are used in the workplace. Stephanie was also a co-presenter at the Computer Science Showcase in Portland, Maine, where she shared ways that she keeps students engaged through the design thinking process. She is currently working on bringing Space STEM to Caribou Community School where students will be able to collect and share data in realtime with other schools around the world. Stephanie is a lifelong learner and works hard to encourage lifelong learning in her students as well as in other teachers. Stephanie is so worthy of this honor and I am so fortunate to be able to work with her.

Stephanie's superpower would be collaboration. She is always willing to lend a hand and her creativity as well as her out-of-the-box thinking are stellar! I feel so fortunate to be able to work with her.

Kim Barnes
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Heather Anderson

Kim Barnes is definitely a superhero of a teacher and advocacy, collaboration and creativity are her superpowers. In addition to her official job title of 8th grade ELA teacher,Kim serves as a Teacher Leader and is the 2019 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year. In her class, students learn so much more than how to read and write effectively. They gain the opportunity to explore who they are and to see themselves shine with resilience when overcoming challenges. Kim sees each students' greatest strengths and most importantly, helps them to SEE and believe it about themselves. This year, Kim started an initiative to provide community service opportunities for 8th graders by providing them with placements working with younger children, helping with custodial tasks, and acting as tour guides to provide students with a larger sense of community and their place in it. Kim not only advocates for her students but for education as well as she works with other Aroostook County Teachers to provide professional development opportunities to help new educators find mentorship and support with the ultimate goal of continuing to grow this amazing profession. Kim is so deserving of this honor.

Kim's Superpower: Collaboration – Kim sets a goal and moves mountains to achieve it, and she does this by inviting important stakeholders to the table to work together. She has worked with the Maine DOE, members of the legislature and with other educators within and outside her district to do what's best for kids.

Heather Anderson
Caribou, ME

Elevated by Kelsey Stoyanova

Heather is one of the most innovative educators I’ve ever met. In her incredible career so far she has taught numerous grade levels, numerous subjects, and also served as a teaching administrator. As 2022 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year, Heather has elevated her school, students, and colleagues to show the entire state just how vibrant and thriving Northern Maine is. Being in Heather’s classroom taught me so much that I brought back to my own classroom. She gives her students experiences that ground them in their homes and community while also allowing them freedom to explore who they are, what they stand for, and gives them myriad ways to showcase their learning including including technology in ways that I’ve never seen before. She now teaches 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at Caribou Community School where she gives her students a safe space to be bold in their learning and gives her colleagues a go-to teammate and friend in professional and personal growth. Heather is so deserving of this honor.

Heather's Superpower: Active Empathy — Heather perceives and feels the needs of learners and adults in her school and community and acts upon those needs in a way that feels gentle, safe, and creates everlasting bonds. Children and adults want to do right by Heather because they know just how much she cares.

Keith Rosko
Binghamton, NY

Elevated by Lynne Rosko

Keith has been teaching HS Art since 1988, and has helped a large number of students achieve their goals and refine their dreams.

Every child has the ability to be creative, to see the world in a more introspective way, and to live a fuller life through creativity, and it’s his goal to make every child successful.

He has helped refocus the departmental goals to include media literacy, critical thinking and 21st century learning skills, using art and creativity and a tool to do so.

Keith's Superpower: Keith can make any child feel creative and talented.

Abby Rosko
Binghamton, NY

Elevated by Keith Rosko

Abigail is a second year teacher, working with 1st graders, who has an incredible passion for teaching and working with children.

Abby has brought some amazingly innovative teaching practices to the classroom for someone so young, and is able to really connect with children both one on one as well as as a group in a very inspirational way.

Abby’s superpower is the ability to make every child feel loved.

Brandi Jackson
East Point, GA

Elevated by Stacey Rogers

Brandi is my amazing daughter. As a little girl, she always would line her dolls up and play school. Currently, she’s been teaching for five years. She truly believes in not only teaching her students but building relationships with the students and their families. This year, she helped to give her fifth grade students an experience that many have never had before being in her class. She helped to recharge the Jr. Beta team at her school. She led a group of students to Savannah, Georgia and won two of the events. She helped students to become active servants in their community by participating in the monthly food pantry. She has helped guided so many students. She’s a teacher that devotes her time to her students. She’s a teacher that goes in the community and continue to be a pillar. She deserves to win this award because she is the example of exceptional. Even when her students leave her classroom, my daughter still shows up to events or checks in the families because it’s more than just teaching. My daughter believes that before any instruction can begin, she has to know her students. She’s my hero! She’s the teacher I would have love to have as a kid because I know that she cares about when I walk through the door and when I walk out!

Brandi's Superpower: Relationships

Cindy Babich
Elburn, IL

Elevated by Katie Reilley

As my ELA teammate, Cindy and I have collaborated on countless projects and activities for our students. We co-plan weekly, bouncing lesson ideas off each other and reflecting on how those lessons actually went, discussing next steps for instruction. Cindy also helps plan and schedule our 5th Grade Outdoor Education activities as well as the 5th Grade Candor Talk that benefit our students’ social and emotional wellness.

In addition to being a wonderful ELA teacher for her 4th and 5th grade students, Mrs. Babich also serves the students of the school and district well. She volunteers for PTO events and helps raise funds for our school. Cindy also co-serves as the Spelling Bee Coordinator for grades 3-5 at our school and has volunteered her 5th grade classroom as the Writing Lab classroom for the district. She has served on the district’s Personalized Learning Steering Committee, bringing back ideas she’s witnessed on school visits to her classroom of students and our team. She’s been a long-time member of our Educator Advisory Committee (EAC), this year serving as a chairperson.

Cindy's Superpower: Besides being a great teammate and colleague, Mrs. Babich is an advocate for all things kid-lit related. She is a member of #bookposse, a devoted group of educators and librarians who read and review advanced copies of middle grade books. Cindy has also attended Nerd Camps, Scholastic Reading Summits, and author book signing events with the purpose of connecting her students to the latest and greatest middle grade books and authors.

Shelby Pike
Shepherdsville, KY

Elevated by Gina Weber

Shelby Pike is an exceptional educator who creates a learning environment that inspires her students to become independent learners, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. Her lessons are always engaging, rigorous, and fun! Her ability to provide thoughtful learning activities and ask thought provoking questions helps her students grow and exceed academic expectations. Not only does she coach the Academic Team, but she played an integral role in implementing our school garden and compost bin which has benefitted students across all grade levels at our school. She loves her students and connects with them on a personal level by attending their games and other outside of school activities. This means so much to them! Her former students keep in touch with her and she is always willing to support her students in any way that she can. I am thankful that I get to collaborate with her and explore new ideas for teaching our fourth graders together!

Shelby's Superpower: Connecting with Students

Erin Cunnea
Chicago, IL

Elevated by Dan Dowling

Erin's passion, energy, and empathy make her the teacher that students naturally gravitate to. Around her all feel accepted and know that they belong. She devotes countless hours on drama productions, encourages kids to freely express themselves through dance as our dance teacher, and her English courses are a place where students share thoughts and ideas in a safe space. She has founded our school's Alliance Club which promotes acceptance and among many other activities she takes kids on field trips afterschool and on weekends. Recognized by her peers as a leader, Erin has planned and conducted several of our recent school professional development sessions. Most importantly though, she is the shoulder of support to students AND teachers having rough days. It is normal to see her afterschool listening and being the empathetic support that allows others to continue. Erin Cunnea is exceptional in all that she does.

Erin's Superpower: Empathy and acceptance of others

Shuwanda Ivery
Garland, TX

Elevated by Keidra Barnes

My sister is my favorite teacher. She does a lot for her students, and spends so much of her own money for things for them. She loves her students. I visited her classroom once and they could not stop talking about her. I know she loves teaching.

Shuwanda's Superpower: To me, it's kindness. She is so kind to others.

Shuwanda Ivery
Garland, TX

Elevated by Mylon Ivery

I would like to nominate my wife. She is a Kindergarten teacher. I have watched her all these years and she definitely does a lot for her students. I can tell she loves each and every one of them. She has been teaching for 9 years and it shows her passion. She is never done working as she also works during her breaks and on the weekends preparing for her students.

Shuwanda's Superpower: Passion

Nana Nayarko
Manhattan, NY

Elevated by Lauren Hunter

Nana is a phenomenal educator worthy of elevation because of all she does to impart scientific knowledge onto her young learners in the heart of New York city. Nana meticulously spends time to design rigorous hands-on lessons to help students explore science concepts. Despite having limited funds Nana is resourceful. She has embarked on a number of fundraising opportunities to supply her students with high quality materials. It warms my heart to have been her colleague and now her educational friend forever. Nana advocates for integrating the arts with academic content areas. She strongly believes that it is through the arts that student motivation can be facilitated.

Nana's super power is her passion for learning and success.

Laura Boyd
Franklin, TN

Elevated by Tyler Boyd

Laura entered the teaching profession with a strong desire to be a change agent in the lives of her students. Throughout her own educational journey she greatly benefited from the leadership of both her elementary/secondary teachers. Her former teachers instilled a love of learning and provided daily positive school experiences. These developments inspired Laura to also create these same opportunities for her own students. In her classroom, she values the important role of building relationships with all stakeholders which include boosting staff morale among colleagues, engaging parents by inviting into the classroom monthly, taking students on field trips in the local community, and fostering their nursing home partnership. Through these relationships, she has built great rapport with the various stakeholders which help to improvement the betterment of the school. During her teaching career, she has been recognized as Top 9 Tennessee Teacher of The Year (2021), and Take a Titan To School recipient (2020, 2021, 2022). She also executes highly engaging educational technology presentations within the school, district, & state level in hopes to equip teachers with successful tools to promote student engagement and the integration of social emotional learning. In her free time Laura has created a Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel to equip teachers with resources.

Laura's Superpower is her integration of educational technology in the classroom. Through these edtech tools she is able to provide immediate, positive and corrective feedback, to enhance student learning outcomes and success for all types of learning styles.

Janie Rodriguez
San Antonio, TX

Elevated by Stancey Winer

If you’ve never heard of Janie Rodriguez, have a seat my friend because you are in for a treat. Janie has worked in title 1 schools her entire career. Starting in PE she made her way into the classroom to work with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders throughout her career. She loves he students and provides them with a safe and loving environment each day. She works to make lasting connections with her students and their families. For Christmas this year, she posted a heartfelt message from a student and managed to gather over $2,000 in donations of money, presents and gift cards to gift her 50 students in her grade level.

Janie’s Superpower: The Power of Connection

Kecia McDonald
Kailua Kona, HI

Elevated by Amanda Gill

This year, not only did Kecia consistently help teachers in her school to better support students with innovative and practical support, she also took care of her mother as she transitioned over this school semester. Losing a loved one is always hard, but the mom loss is an especially heartbreaking one. I applaud Kecia for supporting her school admirably while being a full-time caregiver and supporting her mom through cancer, in life and death. Kecia is one of the greats.

Kecia’s Superpower: Empathy

Corbin Gill
Monroe, LA

Elevated by Amanda Gill

Mr. Gill is an excellent 11th grade literature teacher who brings books to life!

Corbin’s Superpower: Energy boost

Anna Swafford
Westminster, CO

Elevated by Stephanie Rosch

Anna is an amazing ray of sunshine in our high school. She teaches high school reading and never stops smiling no matter what happens! Her students adore her and love having her for a teacher! She strives for the best she can give every single day!

Anna’s Superpower: Optimism- she always has a smile and is my ray of sunshine!

Lauren Hunter
Winsted, CT

Elevated by Karen Pfeffer

Lauren works with MLL students and constantly creates new and exciting ways to bring the English language to life for them. She is currently working on A Wrinkle In Time. Her students are identifying how their lives can impact their character perceptions as well as creating numeracy lessons about the Tesseract.

Lauren’s Superpower: Patience. She deals with students of different cultural backgrounds and is always supportive.

Shari Napier
Columbus, KS

Elevated by Kelly Walters

Shari is one of the most amazing reading teachers and interventionist I've ever met. She has taken the science of reading and really implemented it within her entire building. She is responsible for all testing and all interventions for our entire primary building, and it is pretty amazing the things she is able to accomplish for our early readers. She is the leader of an amazing Title staff that respects her and works hard because they have a leader that works harder than anyone I know. She will always stand up for a kids literacy rights and do what is best for them to become the readers that she knows they can be.

Shari’s Superpower: Tier Mover! She moves kids through our tier system to become readers.

Annie Young
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Nicole Kilmoyer

Annie joined us this year at Hampden Elementary as our Instructional Coach. With her warm and approachable demeanor, she has helped our teachers navigate a new ELA curriculum. Annie has a passion for helping teachers be the best that they can be! Annie approaches every opportunity with kindness, grace and encouragement. She works diligently to assist teachers, offer her help, provide professional development and encourage growth in all educators. She is a joy to work with each day!

Annie’s Superpower: Kindness - Annie is always kind!! Her kindness makes her approachable by all staff members!

Kristen Richey
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Nicole Kilmoyer

Kristen has been the Reading Specialist at Hampden Elementary School since I began working here in 2018. During this time she has been influential in helping with guided reading as well as skills groups. She is very knowledgeable about the science of reading and is helpful to all teachers. I joined Kristen this year as an Instructional Specialist and she has been very helpful while I navigate this new position.

Kristen’s Superpower: Knowledge! Kristen is very knowledgeable about the Science of Reading and is willing to share this expertise with anyone.

Ashley Cowart
Walterboro, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Ashley Cowart is not only a phenomenal little sister, but she is an awesome kindergarten teacher. Mrs. C. loves celebrating the holidays with her students with creative arts and crafts. Her students know that Mrs. C. believes that learning to read, write, and count doesn't have to be boring! Ashley is one of the best K5 teachers I know.

Ashley’s Superpower: Artsy-She can make a plain sheet of paper attractive

Erica Edwards
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Lee Ann Khaled

Mrs. Edwards has a passion for literacy and teaching! She is an excellent educator and truly has a heart for students. As a fellow teacher, I have also learned so much from Mrs. Edwards. She makes me a better teacher!

Erica’s Superpower: Mrs. Edwards is a word wizard! Her gift for language amazes me!

Celeste Mixson
Bamberg, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. Mixson is a wonderful middle school math teacher. She embeds technology into her math lessons so that students are exposed to a variety of software and apps. Mrs. Mixson's students enjoy her fun standards-based lessons.

Celeste’s Superpower: Tech Savy – Makes lessons interactive

Rebekah Page
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. Page is a wonderful math teacher who truly knows her content. She lives for all things math. Kids are so lucky to have her as their teacher.

Rebekah’s Superpower: Math Genius – Can solve any problem

Amy McKenzie
Myrtle Beach, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. McKenzie is a true tech guru who supports all the teachers with her knowledge of all things tech. She has taught me how to create magic with my Google apps.

Amy’s Superpower: Tech Queen – Keeps everyone organized

Leeann Khaled
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. Khaled is an extraordinary social studies teacher. Her students love her creativity and infectious love of history. Mrs. Khaled is TERRIFIC!!!

Leeann’s Superpower: Positive Spirit – sees the good in everything

Denise Harrel
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. Harrel is an extraordinary business teacher who loves her students and school. Her students enjoy her passion for digital literacy and personal finance. Awesome educator!!

Denise’s Superpower: Resourcefulness – She has a file for every topic.

Jennifer Scarmack
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Erica Edwards

Mrs. Scarmack is a remarkable special education teacher. She has a true passion for supporting our resource students. Mrs. Scarmack logs into class daily with a cheerful smile ready to scaffold reading, writing, and math. The students truly enjoy her positivity and passion for learning. More importantly, she is not afraid to advocate for her students and their parents. Mrs. Scarmack encourages teachers and administrators to understand the greatness in all children. No matter the day, she exudes a spirit of dedication.

Jennifer’s Superpower: Calm – Mrs. Scarmack remains calm even when students are having emotional and mental meltdowns.

Erica Edwards
Summerville, SC

Elevated by Jennifer Scarmack

Ms. Edwards is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond for students everyday. Her creativity and compassion are unsurpassed. Lowcountry Virtual is lucky to have her.

Erica’s Superpower: She's a Nearpod Ninja

Nicole Kilmoyer
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristen Richey

Nicole is an amazing educator. She has taught anywhere from the "littles" as she refers to them up through 5th grade. This year she is embracing a brand new role as an instructional specialist and is crushing it! She works hard to make sure she is learning new ideas to help grow her students as readers. Nicole is always looking for ways to engage her students and goes above and beyond to help them.

Nicole is a team player as well. She tries to find ways to collaborate and work smarter not harder.

Nicole’s Superpower: Adaptable

Candida Elias
Lancaster, CA

Elevated by Jennie Johnson

I met Candida when she came to our school from a much larger district in the big city. (To be honest, i was intimidated by her.) She had a skill set that far reached my newbie understanding in the field. She was so encouraging and took time to share her ideas and practices with every teacher at our site. What impressed me the most was her love for her students and the relational capacity she developed with them so quickly. She designed special events and celebrated individuals to make everyone feel like the most special person in her world. Through health scares and even a global pandemic Candi’s approach, rigor, and intentionality with her students has not changed. She continues to learn more to hone her craft, adjust her thinking to meet kids needs, and design lessons and celebrations to empower her students. In the last three years my job has become one of leading a charge in transforming our site’s theories and practice to the science of reading. Candi has been, yet again, one of the greatest examples of what teaching is all about. Teaching is transformative, it’s tailor-made, it can be exciting and fun! She is stellar in building SoR practicality from the ground up in her classroom. All the while, Mrs. Elias furthers that by leading our PTSA and site Sunshine committee to ensure this level of infectious joy is experienced by every person on our campus. I am honored to nominate this loving, smart, and giving individual.

Candida’s superpower is learning a skill or theory and adjusting it to meet the needs of each student both academically and personally. She knows her students intimately and transforms her instruction to meet them.

Lauren Dejon
Waukegan, IL

Elevated by Lauren Hansen

Lauren Dejon is an incredible teacher at Waukegan Community School District 60. She has a passion for her students and for reading! She LOVES books and loves to help her students understand the beauty of the written word and story. Lauren has a heart of gold and she is an overcomer.

Lauren's Superpower: Superhero sight! She sees those the world overlooks!

Amanda Cullen
Clayton, DE

Elevated by Jill Street

I first met Amanda when she was teaching at a local preschool. I was there as an observer, and from the moment I first saw her teach, I knew she was an amazing teacher! We have crossed paths many, many times over the years and become friends. After having three beautiful children and supporting new moms as a certified lactation consultant (including me!), she has returned to the classroom full time. Her students, family, and friends are lucky to have her in their lives. She is a ray of sunshine and a fierce example of what FREADOM represents.

Amanda's Superpower: Love. Love and passion in everything she touches.

Toni Berger
Salt Lake City, UT

Elevated by Laura Pereira

Toni Berger is a middle school English Language Development teacher (ESL) in Salt Lake City, Utah. 90% of the student body comes from low-income homes and 67% of the student body are English Language Learners. Despite the community norm or not valuing education or literacy, Toni is always finding fun and creative ways to connect with the students and encouraging them to read. She has a great relationship with the students and frequently has heart to heart conversations about the importance of literacy and helping each student realize the importance of breaking the cycle of illiteracy in his/her family. Not only does she provide a classroom library of diverse books for her students, but she also provides books for her students to take home and read to their younger siblings in the evening. Toni is a powerful influence on students, staff, and community members and builds them up in every interaction. Toni is definitely a most valuable educator in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Toni's Superpower: Literacy Influencer

Amanda Pidgeon
Kiln, MS

Elevated by Ryan Pidgeon

Amanda always says “I don’t teach English; I teach kids.” Her students are her motivation to make her classroom engaging, safe, and fun for seniors while they journey through the last English course of their high school education. Amanda works incredibly hard to combat “senioritis” by sculpting her curriculum to the needs of modern teenagers while still paying homage to the classics and foundations of language. Also, Amanda sponsors her school’s award winning Beta Club as well as the senior class, organizing tons of events created to make senior year special for her kids. Through all this, Amanda says that her main goal as an educator is to make every student see the value of literacy and she does this by meeting them where they are, setting high expectations, and loving each student exactly as he or she is. She loves her job, and it truly shows. Amanda is in her 16th year as an English teacher and she says she enters her classroom daily remembering her first day!

Amanda's Superpower: Comforting Engagement

Paul Canavatti
St. Louis Park, MN

Elevated by Callianne Cheney

Paul has only been at our school for 2 years, but has already made such an impact as a teacher, coach, and colleague. He has the ability to walk the difficult tightrope of being flexible, approachable, and respected while also holding students accountable, keeping high standards, and pushing students to be their best. He truly cares about his students and puts his whole heart into the content that he teaches. On top of that, he keeps tabs on all his athletes' grades to make sure they are succeeding not only on the field, but in the classroom as well. I am blessed to share a classroom and common prep with such an empathetic, intelligent, and dedicated educator!

Paul's Superpower: Upholds and sustains high standards for ALL students, while also expressing grace, understanding, and empathy

Meghan Cannon
St. Charles, IL

Elevated by Patricia Toht

Meghan is a star LRC (learning and resource center) director, who also spends time in the classroom, working with teachers and students to explore topics through books as well as multi-media. Her library is literally located in the heart of a middle school, and is regularly visited by the 1500 students in rotation. She entices them to read with book talks, a "genre café", book speed-dating, scavenger hunts, and more. Teachers know they can come to her for help finding resources or for ideas of how to enhance lessons by using technology like WeVideo, Google Expeditions, Makerspace activities, etc. During COVID restrictions that did not allow groups of students to gather in the library, she flipped the book checkout process to BookHub -- a GrubHub model of letting students order books to be delivered to their classrooms (for in-school learners) or to a checkout cart in the school entrance (for remote student pickup). She also instituted "First Chapter Fridays", a video reading of first chapters, to entice students to read titles they might not know about.

These days, top notch middle school librarians need to strike the right balance technology and literature, and Meghan is a prime example of how to do that very thing. She runs an energetic and dynamic library that is a hub for learning, connection, and growth.

Meghan's Superpower: Making meaningful connections with middle schoolers

Jen Rusin
Oswego, IL

Elevated by Patricia Toht

Jen's enthusiasm for reading knows no bounds! Her room is equipped with an amazing array of books to address all levels of readers. She's known to "stalk" bookstores for author visits where she can connect with book creators and invite them to Zoom or come by, (including an incredible year of #kidsneedmentors that I was blessed to be a part of). She regularly builds anticipation for new books with a countdown to their "book birthday," which leads to spontaneous, energetic celebration when each book arrives.

She's also promotes writing with equal enthusiasm. Her kids are encouraged to write notes when they can, setting up pen pal relationships when the opportunity arises. The entire class also makes a bound book each year based on a book they have read, which connects the writing and reading aspects of literature.

I hope you will consider Jen for your MVE this year. She is a remarkable person.

Jen's Superpower: Revving up reading and writing for second graders

Kirsten Baker
Arlington Heights, IL

Elevated by Lauren Hansen

Ms. Baker is a 5th grade teacher and LOVES her students at Ivy Hill Elementary. She brings creativity, joy and SUNSHINE to her classroom. She is always thinking of creative ways to engage her students in learning. She is also a mama to her sweet son Maverick. Ms. Baker has walked through many life's challenges but constantly looks for the silver lining.

Kirsten's Superpower: Creativity!!

Laura Nardini
Waukegan, IL

Elevated by Lauren Hansen

Ms. Nardini is a gym teacher at Waukegan High School. She treasures her students and has a heart for those who are less privileged. She chose to leave a prominent local high school to work in a poorer city this year. She is also a single mom, raising 4-year old twins and she is incredible. Her heart is so tender and kind!

Laura's Superpower: Empathy!

Michael Majewski
Yorkville, IL

Elevated by Benjamin Williams

Mike is an amazing teacher. He works so amazingly hard to reach all of his students. The phrase "He goes the extra mile, isn't enough for Mike, because one mile isn't a determinate length that is appropriate for him. I would say he goes the extra 500 miles. He does this for every student he has and for everyone on his team. It is my privilege to get to work with Mike every day and see what he does for his students.

Mike's Superpower: Being the most genuine and caring teacher ever.

Judy Deichman
Richmond, VA

Elevated by Sara Hudson

Judy personifies literacy! She works all day as the head of library services for Richmond Public Schools. Then, she jumps in her Lit Limo - a converted school bus filled with books - and goes throughout the community every afternoon. She is also at community events throughout Richmond with her bus full of books. Any child can come on the Lit Limo and get a book of their own choosing. Judy stocks the bus with books that kids want, books that reflect their life experience. And, her magnetic personality draws kids to the Lit Limo, every day, week after week. Judy has also worked tirelessly to secure funding to put fully stocked book vending machines in every preschool, elementary school, and middle school in Richmond Public Schools – 38 schools in all. She was just honored with the inaugural Equity in Education Award for all of her work to build readers in our community. Here's a video about the award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt1U1GgPqi0

Judy's Superpower: Book Magician – through hard work and dedication, Judy make books magically appear in the homes of Richmond's students.

Melissa Feiger
Glenview, IL

Elevated by Jeff Hay

Miss Feiger went out of her way to make a difference for her students. She taught our son, Kevin in Middle School and was one of the few teachers that found ways to connect & challenge Kevin. She has a unique ability to foster imagination & curiosity. She prepares her students to go into the world being able to conquer problems, create innovative solutions and to realize that there is more to school than just the "facts of life".

Melissa's Superpower: Connection with Students

Adam Mokelke
Anchorage, AK

Elevated by Judid Esquivel

Mr. Adam Mokelke is the principal at Anchorage STrEaM Academy. He works tirelessly to bring exceptional outdoor learning and project based learning opportunities for his students and families. His efforts to empower his students are admirable. He strives to provide the best educational experiences for his students. I have had the honor of connecting with him through social media and seen the impact he has on his students. His passion for education, student learning and his staff are evident through his engaging posts. I admire Mr. Mokelke's dedication and leadership skills. His students and staff are very fortunate to have a strong and caring administrator.

Adam's Superpower: Literature ambassador

Katie Deganhart
Commerce City, CO

Elevated by Samantha Davis

Mrs. Deganhart has been the greatest mentor to me as I have started my teaching career. She is very in tune with what her students need day to day in the classroom. Since she is so willing to be flexible, her students benefit from being taught what they actually need, not just what the curriculum has next. She supports student learning with a variety of books from many different cultures and perspectives that foster great student discussion. I have become a better teacher from her tireless efforts to educate herself and her students. She is an inspiration to all.

Katie' Superpower: Literature ambassador

Samantha Davis
Commerce City, CO

Elevated by Katie Deganhart

Mrs. Davis is a wonderful educator who works tirelessly for all her students. One of her missions is to create a learning environment where all students feel seen and heard. She has a positive and inclusive classroom culture and uses lots of books to elevate her students' perspective and is always doing the work to engage students in learning about other people's perspectives as well. She works to continue to educate herself and is always learning about best practices in education. I am a better teacher working with Mrs. Davis!

Mrs. Davis' superpower is being teammate supreme and always getting something done before I know I need it.

Kari Wilson
Richmond, KY

Elevated by Bryan Wilson

Ms. Wilson has been in the classroom in mulitple roles over the last five years. However, it is her current role as a second grade teacher that showcases her greatest skill, kindness. During a schoolyear with reduced staff and increased assessments, she has shined as a leader amongst her peers and taken on more responsibilities as an Academic Team coach and advocate for fellow staff. She routinely helps others in the building and works to maintain lines of communication with families. She also volunteers her time for school events and works with Saved The Children as both a parent and teacher rep. To encourage reading, she works with all students and consistently rotates selections for students.

Kari's Superpower: Kindness – she has the abily to share kindness with the students and famiies in her clasroom every year.

Brandon Vinson
Lake Villa, IL

Elevated by Amy Lonergan

Brandon has shown he is so passionate about literature, but not just as a stuffy intellectual endeavor, but how the classics can be applied today to teach valuable life lessons. When he teaches Fahrenheit 451, he makes sure to emphasize that the themes of having someone else control thoughts by controlling access to information is very applicable to today's world. He also teaches the backgound of the author Ray Bradbury, being a local kid once, too, and how Ray used love of language to get famous and be an influencer before either thing was a thing. He then uses other novels such as the Giver to compare and contrast how different authors use thier imaginiation to build an entire society in their mind and then how to show that society rahter than just tell about that society. He inspires both the students that are falling a little behind and the honors kids with the same amount of passion and care for both. As a hard workign family man who volunteers in the community, he also sets a great example, especially to kids who come from homes without a strong male role model in their life. Brandon takes his passion and makes it infectious, and takes old dusty thick books and turns them into important life lessons for Gen Z to apply to this crazy world we inhabit.

Brandon's Superpower: Taking Classic Literature and Applying to a Social Media Landscape

Devon Caudill
Northville, MI

Elevated by Supriya Kelkar

Devon Caudill is a principal who is dedicated to making sure every child feels seen and feels special. My daughter starts her day by picking flowers for Mrs. Caudill, who she proudly says is one of her best friends. And the attached picture shows just some of the many things students in our school are thankful to Mrs. Caudill for.

Devon's Superpower: Making every child feel seen.

Brenda Brown
Los Angeles, CA

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

I work with Mrs. Brown for 13 years and she is such a dedicated teacher. She cares so much for her students and is always looking for best practices to teach THEM. Not only is Mrs. Brown a great teacher she's also a great leader for our school. She is always fighting for the rights of students and teachers. I look up to her leadership and the love she has for teaching.

Brenda's Superpower: Leadership, kindness

Clare Bierbaum
York, NE

Elevated by Kristen Wilton

Mrs. Clare Bierbaum is in her first year of teaching. Not only is she serving as a special education teacher for K-2 grade, she also is the assistant coach for her school's high school competitive one-act team! Mrs. Bierbaum is impacting lives of students from Kindergarten to Seniors, always giving 100% of her time and energy to continue to do her best for her students. Her compassion for her students is admirable, and she is always looking for ways to reach kids who may learn differently than others.

Clare's Superpower – Advocacy: Mrs. Bierbaum is an amazing advocate for the needs of her students.

Julia Pick
Omaha, NE

Elevated by Sheila Turbes

As the principal at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Grade School, Julia Pick is the embodiment of a teacher leader. She’s there to greet each child by name and with a smile as they enter each day, is always popping in to classrooms and engaging with students during lessons, and takes time to talk to teachers and reach out with words of encouragement when they are having a rough day. Our school is known as a diverse, inclusive, welcoming spot for all families and Julia is the driving force behind this. She is a true visionary and transformative leader who works tirelessly to provide the support and resources we need to provide a stellar, 21st Century education to our families. As the librarian, her facebook live story times for parents engages everyone in reading. Our collection is a true reflection of our diverse student body and she is always finding ways to support the library and the joy of reading in her weekly emails. I’m so fortunate to work under a principal who is focused on educating the whole child and engaging all of us to reaching that goal.

Julia's Superpower: Visionary. Julia has the ability to focus not only on the here and now but what is needed to make our school stronger and enhance our strengths

Rebecca Utter
Hilliard, OH

Elevated by Melisa Hayes

Rebecca is a selfless, influenced who always puts our kids first! Her creativity shines daily & always has a smile on her face! She develops relationships with her kids and strives to make a difference. She’s a team player and is always willing to share and take a risk for each of her kids! She is tech savvy & extends the joy of technology to her kiddos! Rebecca involves parents in all aspects & encourages families to be involved. She is an amazing educator who creates a warm, safe, fun environment for all learners!

Her superpower is her creativity!

Kristi Houston
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Eric Houston

She works countless hours and always has the students best interest at heart. Her class includes special needs and ESL students, yet she somehow finds a way to keep every student in her classroom challenged and engaged. She loves working with students and gets the greatest joy from seeing students success in the classroom.

Kristi's Superpower: Kindness

Sydney Pitta
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristi Houston

Sydney is an amazing educator! She started last school year in the middle of the year and had to create her class from students moving from another teacher. She put together her classroom in record time. She started with her students and immediately created a classroom community! She incorporates whole brain teaching which keeps her class moving & grooving! Her students enjoy their active classroom which helps them retain what they are learning. She is also a great co-worker! She offers ideas to her teammates and comes up with new ways to help other students. She deserves to be elevated!

Sydney's Superpower: Whole Brain Teacher

Jackie Behney
Harrisburg, PA

Elevated by Kristen Richey

If you want to hear about an amazing educator look no further than Jackie Behney. She is always looking out for struggling readers and fighting fiercely for them to have the best education.

First, she works at the Dyslexia center where she teachers students who have dyslexia how to read. She makes sure to use a multisensory approach to instruction so that her students have a better chance to truly grasp the concepts she is teaching them.

Second, she teachers other educators how to teach reading. She is helping other educators learn all about the science of reading and making sure they have a firm grasp on the how and why of reading instruction.

Third, she can be found observing and supporting student teachers. She is helping to guide and grow our next generation of teachers which will have an inpact in years to come.

Jackie is truly one of a kind and deserves to be elevated.

Jackie's Superpower: Perseverance

Deanna (Brooke) Snowden
Cypress, TX

Elevated by Kristi Houston

I have known Brooke for many years! We taught kindergarten together. She’s an amazing educator. Every day she works with her kindergarten kiddos to help them be successful in the classroom. She brings in her love for science to make her lessons even more engaging! She works tirelessly to help all her students each day!!

Deanna's Superpower: Kindergarten Superhero

Melissa Darrow
Raleigh, NC

Elevated by Kristi Houston

Melissa is an amazing educator. She works with struggling readers from K-5. Each day she works with them to figure out how she can help them best. She’s alway finding new and innovative ways. In addition, she helps them bio their love of reading by offering a diverse library of books. She even set up a reading garden outside with hammocks for all the kids to relax and read in. When she’s not working with students, she is helping her fellow educators in her school, her district and across the country. Melissa deserves to be elevated!

Annie's Superpower: Intentional Reading Specialist

Annie Young
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristen Richey

Annie is our instructional coach for the building. She is new this year and is doing a great job of transitioning into the new role. She has been working hard to learn the building dynamics along with a brand new ELA program.
Annie works well with others. She is always finding amazing ways to support teachers as they navigate and learn a new ELA program (and as she learns along side them). She has assisted them with making materials, sorting through new vocabulary, and previewing some missing skills from program differences.

Annie is also always willing to learn and grow. She is not afraid to ask for ideas or input and to learn new things. She seeks out different ways to absorb new concepts as she finds opportunities.

Annie's Superpower: Cooperation – She works well with others

Susan Schremp
Perryville, MO

Elevated by Heather Baskin

Susan is the Library Media Specialist at Perryville Elementary School. She does an exceptional job about matching students with books and encouraging literacy in her building! Susan also provides opportunities for her students to explore and practice design thinking through her Library Media Center's Makerspace. Mrs. Schremp is a huge asset to our school!

Mrs. Schremp's Superpower: Book Recommendations – Mrs. Schremp is a master at recommending good-fit books to her students.

Heather Baskin
Perryville, MO

Elevated by Susan Schremp

Mrs. Baskin is an exceptional middle school and high school library media specialist. She is able to balance her time between two schools, ordering and cataloging books that interest the student population, while also reaching out to faculty at both schools to see how she can best serve them. Book tasting events have been held for students and staff to get them into the library and interested in books. She is able to keep her libraries up-to-date with the most current state nominees along with the newest books in a series.

She uses her PLN to elevate her learning and share with others both inside and outside our school district. Mrs. Baskin is a true example of a lifelong learner since she seeks out professional development opportunities that help to grow her knowledge of the library. Her expertise in English Language Arts means she is a great asset to our school district, and our students are fortunate to have her as a resource available on a daily basis.

Mrs. Baskin's superpower is learning! She continues to grow and learn to be the best educator possible!

Kristi Houston
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristen Richey

Kristi is an amazing educator! She is always looking for creative ways to engage her students. She loves to do fun activities like flashlight Fridays, STEM activities, and more. She loves a good theme and embraces interesting days in her room. She even dresses up as My Dear Aunt Sally for math class sometimes!

Kristi cares deeply about others in and out of the school building. She is always looking out for her colleagues and others in the community to build them up and support them.

Kristi's Superpower: Empathy – She cares deeply for others!

Ashley Colgan
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristen Richey

Ashley is an amazing educator! She is always trying to build her students up and is navigating hard water this year with a new ELA curriculum. She looks for fun and innovative ideas to help her students solidify their own identity. She makes sure to meet students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. She is also a team player. She looks out for other educators and helps them. She has helped with mentoring new members of her team and guiding them to success.

Ashley's Superpower: Include – she looks for great ways to include all students

Kendra Button
Millburn, NJ

Elevated by Patricia Murphy

Kendra Button is a wonderful educator, with a gift for connecting with children and adults alike. She designs engaging lessons that meet the needs of her students, while providing social/emotional support to all. Her ability to connect with her students, design engaging lessons all while providing social/emotional support to all is truly impressive. Mrs. Button has very high expectations for her students and they also know that they can come to for literally anything. She makes it a priority to give them the support they need. With a generosity of spirit, she also does everything in her power to assist her colleagues. She is extremely organized, reliable, and very resourceful.

In my experience working alongside Mrs. Button as well as knowing her personally, I have found that she accomplishes all tasks with great initiative and always with a smile on her face. I am grateful to have her as a colleague and friend.

Kendra Button's superpower is her happy heart.

Nuria Gonzalez
Tooele, UT

Elevated by Likelli Bender

Ms. Gonzalez is an amazing teacher and colleague. She is a natural leader who is always doing the best for her students. She teaches 7th, 8th and 9th grades Spanish on a Dual Language Immersion program and she is currently working at two different schools.

Ms. Gonzalez always has great, engaging and fun lessons and projects. Students love her, she is very creative, charismatic and hardworking.

Ms. Gonzalez’s superpower is determination, because she is always fighting for what is right and what is best for her students.

Jane Boessen
Troy, MO

Elevated by Lisa Toebben

Jane is a first year special education teacher and I am so proud of the teacher she is becoming. She is a natural at listening to and forming partnerships with her students and families. She takes time to talk individually with students to form action plans to assist students in reaching their individual goals. She also takes the time to get to know her students interests outside of school. Jane looks outside the walls of her classrooms to assist students in finding mentors in other areas of the school. Mentorships are not limited to teachers but to all faculty. Her ability to listen to understand students and to support students is truly amazing! She is changing lives every day!

Jane's Superpower – Supportive: When the student is ready, Jane is there to support them with whatever goal, emotion, task the student is working through.

Likelli Bender
Tooele, UT

Elevated by Nuria Gonzalez

Ms Likelli Bender is a wonderful teacher and colleague. She teaches Portuguese Dual Language Immersion in Utah. She works in 2 schools and teaches 3 grades (7, 8 & 9).

She is always smiling, she’s caring and loving. Students adore her! Ms Bender is very creative and her lessons and projects are always fun, engaging and motivating. She works really hard and her classroom is really cozy and welcoming.

Likelli's Superpower: Resilience. Ms Bender is able to overcome difficulties and she manages to keep smiling.

Aubree Keys
Englewood, CO

Elevated by Holly Pierce

Mrs. Keys is an amazing ELA (English Language Arts) Facilitator at Colorado SKIES Academy, the first school right at an airport! She was one of the first staff members hired and as a member of the opening team has developed an aerospace focused PBL (project based learning) curriculum with interdisciplinary connections. She runs a poetry coffee house inviting parents and other grade levels to come visit and listen to collections of poetry from her learners. It is a common occurrence to hear her learners singing songs or chants to help them remember the important grammar rules. The learners will remember her forever. She is a strong asset to her team, leading and organizing them to keep everyone moving forward in the right direction.

Mrs. Keys communicates weekly with her learners families, and has strong connections to her fellow facilitators. Thank you for all you do!

Aubree's Superpower: Makes literacy fun!

Kirsten Richey
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Ashley Colgan

Kirsten is an exceptional teacher. She excels in her knowledge and ability to help various students with their literacy needs.
Help with blends... check
Help with digraphs... check

Not only does she help her students, but she helps her colleagues collect resources to ensure students receive innovative, research based lessons.

Kirsten should be nominated as an elevated teacher.

Kirsten's Superpower: Literacy. Has the ability to use multiple fun strategies to teach literacy.

Kristi Houston
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Ashley Colgan

Kristi is an innovative teacher. She strives to create independent thinkers by incorporating steam activities into her weekly lesson plans. The students are always eager to get to class and love sharing what they learned. Kristi should be elevated as an amazing educator!

Kristi's Superpower: Organization

Marisa Plascencia-Contreras
Poway, CA

Elevated by Artemisa Perucho-Green

Marisa Plascencia-Contreras is a dedicated educator who ensures that all of her students are seen and valued for the young people they are. “Integrity” describes the way she conducts herself inside and outside of the classroom, making decisions based upon her core values and fearlessly challenging policies that clash against them.

She has a passion for history and a gift for integrating complex topics into the classroom in kid-friendly terms. Marisa empowers young people to think deeply and make meaning from lessons without being “told” what to think. Equity is at the core of her decisions, and she ensures that every voice counts! Marisa encourages her students to own their own paths and follow their passions.

You can find her continuing her learning outside the classroom on weekends and during the summer through institutes, trainings, and book clubs spanning computer science to culturally responsive literature. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and the type of colleague and teacher leader who lifts others up and is always ready to listen without judgment.

For these reasons and innumerable more, Marisa Plascencia-Contreras is an educator worth elevating! ¡Es única e increíble!

Marisa's Superpower: STEAM integration- bringing STEAM into her 2nd grade classroom

Ashley Colgan
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristi Houston

Ashley is an amazing educator. Each and every day in the classroom, Ashley helps her students become independent learners and thinkers. She incorporates STEAM activities into her weekly lesson plans. The students are excited to collaborate and work together with her peers. In addition, Ashley helps her colleagues when they need new ideas or they need help with meeting the needs of their own students. Finally, Ashley uses higher order thinking skills to help her students understand what they are learning at a deeper level. Ashley should be elevated as an amazing educator.

Ashley's Superpower: STEAM integration- bringing STEAM into her 2nd grade classroom

Kristen Richey
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Kristi Houston

Kristen is an amazing educator. She finds very creative ways to work with her students. For example, she has modified games such as connect four to make it into a reading game. The students put the connectors into the game and then they blend the sounds that are written on the game pieces to make words. She is also an amazing colleague. She is always there to help others when they need it and I bounce ideas off of. She should be elevated.

Kristen's Superpower: Reading instruction. Kristen is amazing at helping students learn to read.

Toria Randle
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Kristi Houston

There are so many reasons why Tori should be nominated. First, she is amazing educator. She works so hard with each and every child to make sure they are successful. Second, she is dedicated to her students even outside of the school day. She responds to student texts because they are just so excited to learn. Finally, she is an amazing colleague. I met her this summer and since then she has been there for me to answer questions, lift me up, and encourage me. Toria is definitely Freadom’s Most Valuable Educator!

Tori's Superpower: Amazing Writer - Tori is the ultimate champion for students and colleagues!

Sara Bebeau
Cottage Grove, MN

Elevated by Julie Andracek

Sara is a dedicate teacher of 4th grade students but has also taught Kindergarten, Second grade and coached other educators. Sara is driven to help all students in her class succeed and feel proud of themselves. She includes everyone and strives to make all students feel loved and safe in her classroom.

Sara empowers other educators to want to do their best and works hard to help others reach their goals.

Sara is AMAZING and I am so lucky to have worked with her during my teaching career!

Sara's Superpower: Sara is empowering!!!!! She gives students and other educators the power to feel good about themselves and reach their goals!

Ariel Phelps
Frankfort, IN

Elevated by Jennifer Gant

Ms. Phelps helps her students find books that turn them into readers. She makes sure to pay attention to their individuals likes and recommends books to hook them!!

Ariel's Superpower: Able to recommend a book in a blink of an eye

Maritza Lebron
Kissimmee, FL

Elevated by Kaylee Lebron

This educator has to be one of the best! Whether her position is as coach or as a teacher she does her job to the best of her ability. Her patience and kindness is astounding. I also am amazed at her boldness and how she will fight for what is right. She is incredibly respectful and loyal. I am so thankful to be able to know her as an educator and I am sure everyone that knows her can agree! She truly has a gift!! The way that she deals with students is incredible and it shows by the way that the students love her. Wherever she goes, she leaves her mark and impacts people in such a positive way. I can’t wait to see where life takes her and how much good she’ll do!!

Maritza's Superpower: Her boldness is truly her superpower. No matter how scared she may be on the inside she’ll fight for what’s right and will defend it to the end of the earth. I wish we could all be as brave as her!

Toria Randle
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Shenitra Fullilove

Ms. Randle is a powerful, educated woman. She shows how much she loves her students and the career she has chosen. She has a smile that will turn a bad day into a great one. Every student is treated like her own.

Toria's Superpower: Power to build. She build a new improved school for health and safety of the kids and teachers

Caitlin Lobosco
Hillside, NJ

Elevated by Patricia Murphy

Caitlin Lobosco has entered the field of education. She is a brand new 4th grade teacher in a Title 1 school where her presence is needed. She has a wonderful rapport with her students and fellow staff members. She is extremely organized, reliable, and such a hard working teacher. It is not easy to begin as a new teacher, yet she handles every day with a smile and determination. Ms. Lobosco teaches all the subjects to her students although with her extensive understanding of mathematics it is a joy to watch her confidence as she explains clearly the mathematical concepts to her students and helps them solve problems. She is able to focus on the content being taught and also on the students. She has a caring attitude toward her students and is always ready to support those that need it. It is clear how much her students enjoy her and the environment she has created. Ms. Lobosco is able to make her students feel valued and smart. We thank her for her patience. The way she is shaping young minds gives us hope for the future. I see that beyond anything else, Ms. Lobosco was born to make a difference.

Caitlin's Superpower: extensive understanding of mathematics

Nicole Bowers
Lancaster, TX

Elevated by Dwilight Forney

Nicole Bowers, RS, MA, is a phenomenal DIRW adjunct professor at Cedar Valley Community College who recently lost her partner of 17 years to undiagnosed COPD & became a single parent overnight; but, she still managed to host all 3 of her classes, with a positive attitude and a smile!! For hours after class is over, you will find Professor Bowers, in the library or student center, tutoring or mentoring ANY student who needs her. Through positive behavior, positive attitude, examples, and action, Ms. Bowers (Nicole) shows that you do not have to be a movie star or in a rock band to MAKE a Difference and DO SOME GOOD for one another!!

Nicole's Superpower: POSITIVE FORCE for EDUCATION, through behavior attitude, examples, and action, Nicole is my EDUCATION HERO! You do not have to be a movie star or in a rock band to MAKE a Difference and DO SOME GOOD for one another!!

Josh Blackburn
Fayetteville, TN

Elevated by Marla Rudd

Mr. Josh is such a wonderful person, teacher, and educator. I’ve known him for several years. This year my daughter is in his 2nd grade classroom. She loves going to school every day! Mr. Josh is always promoting literacy and finding new ways to make reading fun.

Joshua's Superpower: Literacy – Mr. Josh makes reading SUPER! My daughter wants to read since being in his classroom!

Toria Randle
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Krista Grasser

Dr. Randle is an amazing ESL teacher who teaches in Memphis, TN. She is compassionate and gives 100 percent to her students.

Toria's Superpower: Encourager, compassionate, goes above and beyond.

Kristi Houston
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

I met Kristi at a Teachers retreat, she is the sweetest and kindest person you will ever meet. Aside from being a wonderful person she is an Amazing teacher!! She is dedicated to her students in finding ways to help them long their educational journey. Kristi has shared what idea have worked with her students with other teachers in hopes that it will help us as well! She is there to help if needed and most of all she will help her class reach its full potential. She also helps her classroom out either by creating either a DonorsChoose project or creating an Amazon wishlist to get the necessary materials for her students. She is such a dedicated teacher!

Kristi's Superpower: Dedicated, Passionate and Knowledgeable

Therese Hubbell
Carson City, MI

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

Mrs. Hubbell is an amazing teacher and deserves to be nominated. When it comes to her students academic learning she makes it her priority to make sure her students have everything they need. She is kind and dedicated to her teaching and it shows a soon as you walk into her classroom. Therese is there to lend a helping hand to anyone and is passionate about teaching!!

Therese's Superpower: Caring, dedicated to all

Kristi Houston
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Toria Randle

This mild-mannered and courteous educator is filled with lots of compassions for her students and everyone she encounters. She can tell the level of engagement she needs to give her students as individual persons when they come into the classroom, whether that is a smile, a fist pump, or a hug. She knows learning can’t happen until everyone feels welcomed and loved. She builds genuine long-lasting relationships with her students. While she is stern and has very high expectations for them, they also know that they can come to for literally anything. Some days she knows they need academic help, other days maybe a laugh or even a hug, but on any day they knew they can come to her, and she will be there. Her love of traveling and seeing the world spills over into the authentic learning experiences she brings to her students no matter the subject area. I salute this undeniably versatile educator who loves to see students learn to come together, learn together and grow together.

Kristi's Superpower: Super-empathy

Betty Jimenez
San Pedro, CA

Elevated by Judid Esquivel

Betty Jimenez is an outstanding educator that teaches from the heart. She is always looking for ways to engage her preschool scholars. She is well loved and respected in her school community. Her energy is one to admire. I've had the honor to meet Betty and to hear the excitement in her regarding her students, was nonetheless inspiring. She is one exceptional educator that goes over and beyond the call of duty to provide for her students.

Betty's Superpower: Ms. Jimenez is a magnificent preschool educator that is laying the academic foundation for her preschool scholars!

Jennifer Tschaepe
Baltimore, MD

Elevated by Toria Randle

This awesome Special Education teacher takes time to get to know her students’ interests both in and outside of school. One thing she makes sure to do is to "show up" for them whether it is at a school event or an outside of school event. She prides herself in wanting them to see that she truly cares about them as a whole, not just in her classroom. Because of her intentional approach, she keeps in touch with a good majority of her students and their families, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Her role as a Special Education teacher allows her to have students for multiple years and build a rapport with families. She has children of her own and a hard-working husband but manages to juggle it all and keep her peace. She loves animals and treats them with kindness and extends that same kindness to all she meets. I salute this extraordinary individual and educator as a model for humanity.

Jennifer's Superpower: Super-strength to show up when it’s important

Holly Pierce
Arvada, CO

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

When you hear of how Educators have a big heart I think of Holly! When I started my Donorschoose journey Holly was there to help and guide me each step of the way. Yes I know I'm a teacher but that is how she is no matter if you're a student, parent, teacher, or administrator she is there to offer a helping hand. Holly is not only and amazing person but a wonderful teacher that is always looking for ways to hep her students in any possible way. If there is a need in her classroom and materials are needed she creates these wonderful Donorschoose project that not only are fun but engaging to help her students educational journey. Her students are lucky to have such a dedicated Teacher!

Holly's Superpower: Friendly, helpful, energetic

Joshua Blackburn
Fayetteville, TN

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mr. Blackburn is a young vibrant educator in Tennessee. His unwavering involvement with school activities for the students, parents, and surrounding community is one that can be emulated through a little hard work and selflessness. He can hear what students in the furthest corner of the classroom are whispering to each other, even if he's engaged in a conversation with a student, a parent, and the principal at the same time. His attention to detail but ability to make any situation light and humorous is a skill most educators wish they had in these challenging times with students as strides are made to address learning loss and the decline in social skills as a result of the pandemic. You can find him chatting it up with students during lunch, recess, and other non-academic settings during the schoolday, getting to know his students in order to better educate them. I salute this educator with a heart for learning while allowing students to be comfortable in their own skin.

Joshua's Superpower: Super Hearing Across the Classroom

Mark Fierri
Norton, MA

Elevated by Judid Esquivel

Mark is a high school educator who works with students with disabilities in a Partnership for Academic and Vocational Excellence. His students range in ages (19-21) and have a disability. Nonetheless, Mark does not let that stop or inhibit them from succeeding in society. He teaches his students life skills and prepares them to be independent and successful on their own. From cooking and preparing basic meals, to applying and attaining a job near their home. He is extremely patient and builds lasting relationships with his students and their families.
Mark goes out of his way to accommodate each student, meeting their needs and working with their strengths. He is truly an exceptional educator and very much influential to all those that know him. Students that are not in his class, look up to him. He is well known around his school community and works hard to make a positive impact on his students.

Mark's superpower is his patience with his students and handling their disability. He sees the abilities in them, not the dis abilities!

Kimberly Arata
Healdsburg, CA

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

Kimberly is such an amazing teacher!! She not also has her hands full being a mommy and taking care of her children needs she makes sure her students are well taken care off just the same. She is Wonder Woman in my eyes always Muti tasking and making sure she is supporting her students to the best of her abilities to being a Wonderfull mommy as well. She's always looking for the best interest of her students and of they need materials she finds a way to get them for her students. All while also helping friends with their teacher wish lists. There are so many deserving teachers and Kimberly is one of them. No matter how busy life can get we know she will make sure her students have the best!

Kimberly's Superpower: Strong, Dedicated, Loving overall Wonder Woman!

Kimberly Arata
Healdsburg, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mrs. Arata is a religion educator in California who makes being a mother, wife, teacher, and a woman look so simple. She is able to handle her roles as mom, wife, teacher, and after-school chauffeur to both her daughters' various activities throughout each week. It is not uncommon to see her pushing fundraisers to support her daughter's extra-curricular activities and taking professional development classes to maintain her duties as an educator for her 6th grade students. Her resiliency in toggling between all her roles is something most parents and teachers couldn't fathom. She fulfills her roles with a smile that can light up any room. Even when under pressure, she never folds and maintains positive relationships with parents, students, and colleagues despite the many hats she wears on a consistent basis. I salute Mrs. Arata as an persevering woman with the fight of a lion in her and a heart as gentle as they come.

Kimberly's Superpower: Super Multi-Tasker

Joyce Johnson
Pasco, WA

Elevated by Joshua Blackburn

Joyce is such a caring individual who seeks to provide her students with the best education possible. She makes it a priority to provide her students with mental health supports in her classroom, not just academic support. She makes calming areas in her classroom to provide students (especially those suffering from trauma) a place where they can have a minute of alone time and be able to make the rest of the day a positive experience. I am thankful to have her as a colleague and friend!

Joyce's Superpower: Mindfullness - Joyce makes sure her students are seen and heard. She makes it a priority to give them the love and support they need.

Tina Lusby
Elma, WA

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mrs. Lusby is one of the most kind, loving, and encouraging educators I ever met in my 16 years as an fellow educator. She pays close attention to her students' needs no matter how small. She is activity involved in her PTO and PTA groups at her school, often volunteering to support parental involvement and engagement for parent-teacher conferences, content area parent activity events. and community resources. She is a Donors Choose ambassador and teacher ambassador for Between The Pages with Alane Adams and RiseUp Foundation. When she is not actively working with teachers in her school, she pays it forward to family members like her niece, who is a first year teacher and needs support continuously through mentoring and being shown the "ropes" of being an effective educator. I salute Mrs. Lusby for her generous nature and the ability to maintain her classroom with absolute precision and detail to academic, socioemotional, and holistic needs.

Tina's Superpower: Unbreakable Patience

Joyce Johnson
Pasco, WA

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

Joyce has a passion for teaching that you can see from miles away. She goes above and beyond for her students and makes sure her students feel right at home as soon as they walk into her classroom. She is such a creative person and it shows when you see her classroom set up. She's always looking for ways to continue to support her students in any way she can. When people say that teachers are dedicated, strong, creative, loving and patient they're spot on with her!! I cannot think of a better deserving teacher to win as she has been there for everyone that needs her, whether its her students, colleagues or friends. She listens to everyone and tries to help in any way that she can.

Joyce's Superpower: Artistic, Creative and Phenomenal

Meliissa Darrow
Raleigh, NC

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mrs. Darrow is a mega-resourceful educator with over 20 years experience in many areas of education from the classroom to administrative roles. As a literacy/reading specialist she is in charge of supporting classroom teachers in language and reading acquisition for so many students in her school and district. She is an organized, compassionate and full of life person with her heavy involvement as an original "Minion" with Alane Adams Books with Between the Pages. Her face is always illuminated with fresh and innovative ideas to share with colleagues and those she encounters outside of the workplace. She is a wonderful wife and mother to her husband and children and loves traveling, often bringing realia to share with students in the school to support teachers in making connections for learning. I salute this "larger than life" learning specialist whose educational base to encourage others she coaches, is built upon "each one, reach one, teach one".

Meliissa's Superpower: Generosity

Betty Jiminez
Los Angeles, CA

Elevated by Joshua Blackburn

Betty is an amazing Pre-K teacher who is dedicated to providing the optimal education for her students. Whether its trying to receive funding for classroom supplies or making her own resources to differentiate learning for her students with special needs, Betty does whatever it takes. I am grateful to call Betty a colleague and a friend!

Betty's Superpower: Dedication - Betty is always determined to provide her Pre-K students with the best education possible.

Joshua Blackburn
Fayetteville, TN

Elevated by Renee Blackburn

Joshua is constantly looking for new ways to help in teaching his second grade students. He spends countless hours preparing his classroom every year to be an area of learning for all students including those with learning challenges. He seeks out different ways to raise money for his classroom and students. He started several years ago getting the community involved in sponsoring children so they could get a Scholastic book every month. He is the epitome of what a dedicated teacher should be.

Joshua’s superpower is being able to get down on a child’s level and teach each child in a method they understand.

Vanessa Escarce
San Diego, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

This firecracker of an educator is one with whom everyone loves to work inside and outside her classroom. Her loving approach to students and everyone with whom she works is a breath of fresh air during a warm sunny year of challenges. She is an avid and very active teacher ambassador Alane Adams books (Between The Pages) and has been able to support her teacher community on Twitter through sharing Donors Choose projects and helping lots of teachers with sprinkles (donations) in funding their classroom needs. She is a great mother and can be found deeply involving herself in mentoring novice and veteran teachers, such as herself, while juggling her classroom load of students in California. Her school administration is always complimentary of her servant leadership attitude with a touch of love, grace, and humility. I salute this valuable educator of our 21st century with accolades of incredible strength wrapped into a ball of contagious joy.

Vanessa's Superpower: Courageousness

Crystal Richards
Chico, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

Mrs. Richards is amazing to say the least. She is always on the hunt for interactive, fun, and engagement activities for students to participate inside and outside her classroom walls. She strives to have students love learning and reading as much as she does whether it be Science, Math, Social Studies, or Literacy. Her tenacious nature when it comes to social emotional learning activities and giving students grace when their behavior is not always conducive to their learning environment is admirable. She makes being a teacher look so easy and rewarding through her consistent desire to expose her students to connections to self, text, and community. She fosters supportive avenues to contact with parents and colleagues in making her school culture one that is filled with joy, hard work, and discipline for the long haul. I salute Mrs. Richards as an life-long learner who instills her holistic values of education into everyone, young or adult.

Crystal's Superpower: Resilience

Toria Randle
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

I have met so many teachers in my 13 years of teaching and Toria has left a huge impact on my life. She lights up the room when she walks in and that's how her students see her as a bright and shinning star. She goes above and beyond not only for her students but for others as well. She teaches ESL and has 2 schools whether she's in one school or the other she's always giving it her all for her students. If she doesn't have the necessary materials she finds a way whether it's a DonorsChoose project or an Amazon wishlist to get what she needs to make sure her students are well taken care off. She always leaves an impact wherever she goes and the love for teaching comes through like a light!

Toria's Superpower: Love! kindness and shines so bright

Toria Randle
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Joshua Blackburn

Toria is an outstanding educator who is constantly trying to educate herself on the most recent strategies and resources available to help her ESL students. She also does everything in her power to elevate and assist her colleagues when she can. I am so grateful to call her a colleague and friend Engagement - Toria is such a light to all those around her. I know that she brings so much positivity, love, and kindness to her classroom.

Toria's Superpower: Engagement - Toria is such a light to all those around her. I know that she brings so much positivity, love, and kindness to her classroom.

Janice Garcia-Vega
San Antonio, TX

Elevated by Toria Randle

Ms. Garcia-Vega is undoubtedly the purest lover of this event called "life" and all things educationally-related. In her free time which can be found during school breaks or on weekends, she is heavily involved with her biological children, often taking pictures with them to capture the memories of the times she pours into them. She can be found hyping her students up for a great day each morning with songs, chants, body engagement with many of her instructional delivery techniques and participating in reflective practice to transform her methods. Her insatiable desire for students to truly learn at their own levels is unmatched. She consistently shares and gleans during professional learning community sessions and comes up with positive solutions to concerns on her grade-level teams. I salute Ms. Garcia-Vega as a trailblazer for our youth in her unwavering determination to make students, all stakeholders, and herself accountable for learning inside and outside her classroom walls.

Janice's Superpower: Involvement in Community

Judid Esquivel
Riverside, CA

Elevated by Betty Jimenez

What can I say about Judid other than she is an outstanding Teacher! We connected through teaching and when we met in person we became even more great friends. Not only is she an amazing friend but an outstanding teacher as well. She is always looking for ways an opportunities to help her students that will captivate them in each lesson. She is always looking for fun and engaging ways to teach her students. She's always there to lend a helping hand to her colleagues and friends no matter how close or how far they are. Shelves teaching and has a passion for it and it shows each and every time she steps into her classroom. She goes above and beyond to have the necessary materials for her class and when there's a need she creates a Donorschoose project or an Amazon wishlist to get the necessary materials that her students need. I can go on and on about how Amazing Judid is as a teacher and how lucky her class is to have her.

Judid's Superpower: Passion for teaching, Fun Energetic and loving teacher

Joshua Blackburn
Fayetteville, TN

Elevated by Betty JImenez

I met Josh in a retreat but before that we met through teacher twitter. We connected through teaching and when we met in person we became even more great friends. Not only is he an amazing friend but an amazing teacher as well. He is always looking for ways an opportunities to help his students in any way that he can. He is always looking for books that his students will like adding to his wonderful library corner that he made so comfortable for his students to get them interested in reading and books. He's always there to lend a helping hand to his colleagues and friends that are far away. He has a passion for teaching and it shows each and every time he comes up with fun and engaging activities for his class. He has even sent me ideas that I can incorporate with my special needs students. Joshua has an amazing talent and his students are lucky to have him as a teacher.

Joshua's Superpower: Passion for teaching

Nancy Place
Orlando, FL

Elevated by Toria Randle

An educator who has a tenacity for her 1st grade students who are really glad to see her smiling, innovative face daily. She is currently working on her doctoral studies in Education and continuosly supports other teachers through Donors Choose in sharing the need for educators, like herself, to have quality real-world connectives to their learning through meaningful, multiples opportunities for engagement with grade-level skills. In addition to her school involvement, she is also a teacher ambassador for Alane Adam's book and RiseUp foundation. No one can top her leadership skills in the sports and competition arena as she is serious about healthy competition but wants to win in every area of her life. She is an avid reader and traveling and brings those experiences into her classroom to instill a love for knowledge to all her students. For these reasons, I salute this humorous, yet dedicated educator to be nominated for the hard work she puts in with such grace and humility.

Nancy's Superpower: Transformation

Judid Esquivel
Riverside, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

As an educator of one of the most vulnerable-aged grades in elementary (3rd grade), this teacher is a model of supportive measures to increase student engagement not only through parental involvement but real-world connections. She is an avid cook often sharing recipes and posting exquisite pictures of delectable delicacies which she and her lovely family often cook together. She juggles being a sports mom for both of her young children and a devoted wife to her husband in sunny California. She is a part of many committees and involved in various cooking groups on social media using her skills of organization and presentation, as well as thoroughness in details to draw anyone to her impressive people skills. I salute this educator as one that knows how important basic academic skills are but encourages those around her, especially her students, to find their niche and give it their all, every day.

Judid's Superpower: Accountability

Betty Jiminez
Los Angeles, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

As an educator, this woman is an advocate for ALL students in her Pre-K Special Needs class. She is always working on interactive and fun activities to authentically reach students to retain skills, included but not limited to musical programs, manipulative use, role play, learning videos, and field trips to places her students may normally not visit on their own with families. Her curiosity for finding solutions to limited school curricular resources is admirable. Alongside her classroom aide and coteacher, inclusion techniques are used daily to acclimate non-disabled students as well as special education students. She is an amazing mother to adult sons, always participating in their lives when asked and giving them that extra push as she does her students daily. She communicates well with colleagues, parents, and community members. I salute this educator for always being a light to everyone she encounters, with a zest for creativity and energy that knows no bounds.

Betty's Superpower: Perseverance

Constance Franklin
Olivehurst, CA

Elevated by Crystal Richards

Constance is an amazing teacher and colleague. She has been working hard in 2nd grade for the last 6 years. She is a team player and always advocates for the best for her students. She makes learning fun by finding creative and new ways to teach her class, she calls her scholars. Constance makes me a better teacher for working with her and collaborating too. Thank you Constance for going above and beyond to make each school year tons of fun.

Constance's superpower is teamwork!

Lane Baima
Carlsbad, CA

Elevated by Toria Randle

Educating the "littles" is this educator's specialty with a fancy for manipuative use, singing, movement, and play in her "new age" teaching style. She is motivated by smiles and hugs from her students giving them that motherly love that all students deserve. As a mother of two of her own little precious girls, she prides herself on student choice when it comes to engaging her class in optimal learning experiences in their least restrictive environments. Working alonside seasoned and novice teachers, Lane is always on top of her game, often going to great lengths to support her colleagues, administrative team members, and parents with making students feel welcome and comfortable being leaders in their own rite. She is adored by those who meet her and get a chance to work with her, often feeling a sense of family in her presence. I salute this gentle-hearted with a "live life daily" attitude as I strive to take on the same motto in my educational capabilities.

Lane's Superpower: Compassion

Angela Horst
Jonestown, PA

Elevated by Toria Randle

This educator is quite pleasantly the most youthful of all my educator friends. She has a beautiful personality and such highly specialized team leadership skills. She is a great problem solver and pays close attention to detail. She is an awesome mother and wife in addition to teaching students daily to be the best they can be. She amazingly juggles home life, work, and avid sports involvement. with such a great balance. She is an avid participant as a teacher ambassador for Between The Pages for Alane Adams books and RiseUp foundation. Her colleagues and staff love working alongside her to bring change in her school culture and climate. When she isn't working with students, she is coaching sports for her children, instilling the same values in all her youth whether it be in the classroom or outside of it. I salute this educator for evenly contributing to those who will one day pay it forward to the next generation of leaders.

Angela's Superpower: Leadership

Dawn Garrett
Orlando, FL

Elevated by Toria Randle

This educator truly loves her students and often gives so much of her time to support them through activities using authentic learning experiences through use of play to learn, manipulatives, field trips, and parental involvement. She is a avid supporter and teacher ambassador for Between the Pages for Alane Adams Books and RiseUp Foundation. She encourages other through writing and is a great mother, wife, and educator. In Florida, she works with an awesome team and takes on leadership roles with no hesitation. No matter what it takes, she will get the job done and has a great ability to delegate responsibilities to her cohorts for professional development opportunities in her school and her school district. She is a valuable asset to her school community often concocting ideas pertaining to student incentives for behavior, attendance, and academic achievements. I salute this consistent educator for her diligence in making a difference everyday.

Dawn's Superpower: Communication

Vicki Neumann
Lomira, WI

Elevated by Sarah Sarazin

Vicki has been trying a new science curriculum for the entire seventh grade. She is taking the responsibility to choose what is best for all students while other colleagues are sticking with what they have always done. She is also working to improve our school’s Leadership Council to give all of our students a chance to lean how to help others.

Vicki's Superpower: Endeavor-Vicki is on a constant endeavor to change her Teaching for what is best for students.

Kristen Richey
Mechanicsburg, PA

Elevated by Toria Randle

The reason this educator deserves a nomination goes way beyond just the classroom. She is involved in so many facets in her life including being a Between the Pages teacher ambassador for Alane's Adams Books through Rise Up Foundation. She loves all things kindness, puns, coffee, and a little sarcasm thrown in. Her reading specialist role in Central Pennsylvania includes coaching teachers on techniques needing to increase language acquisition, student confidence, and teacher direct, explicit teaching. She prides herself on being a great mom and loves sports. She cheers everyone on from the sidelines especially her students as she strives to bring a sense of accomplishment through her daily motivations, incentive, and voiced accolades. She is also an avid participant for the program Donors Choose, sharing projects to help her fellow educators get funding for their students' needs in the classroom. I salute this teacher as a transformational addition to any institution for which she works.

Kristen's Superpower: Tenacity

Joyce Johnson
Pasco, WA

Elevated by Toria Randle

Well, there is so much to say about this educator. In addition to always supporting her daughter through making shirts for fundraisers, she also has a small business creating decorative coffee cups. She is a huge Disney fan and has a child-like glow to her teaching style. Whenever you are around her, you just feel so youthful and like an adventure is about to ensue. She is a loving daughter, mom, and sister who is always there for her family. She currently teaches 5th grade in Pasco, WA where she works tirelessly to advocate for authentic learning experiences with all of her students. She specializes in working extremely close with students with disabilities, emotional setbacks, and those who don't believe they can achieve their educational goals. She is an unwavering commitment to her friends and family too. salute this educator for persevering through hard times. She can really do it all!

Joyce's Superpower: Student Meaningful Relationships

Holly Pierce
Englewood, CO

Elevated by Toria Randle

This educator is so amazing it's hard to describe her in words. Not only is she a middle grades (6--8) STEAM educator, she also has a Donors Choose page (Furry Friends giving page) dedicated to supporting teachers get projects funded through Donors Choose. Many others and I have been recipients of this great support for teachers all over the nation in hopes to get the items needed for our students. She is an advocate for helping students find their potential in different ways through expressing themselves through project-based learning. She is a lover of animals and people and is always there to lend any expertise she may have in the area of STEAM. Her zeal for increasing students' confidence has no bounds. She has been a friend and leader in her field for some time and looks forward to continuing to give innovative ideas to students, parents, colleagues, and anyone who would need her ingenuity in the present and coming future. I salute this amazing educator.

Holly's Superpower: Anticipation of Other's Needs before spoken

Therese Hubbell
Middleton, MI

Elevated by Toria Randle

This illustrious and selfless educator is a mother, wife, grandmother and still finds time to support students in her classroom. With a quirky sense of humor and always a smile on her face, her students can easily relate to her. As a third grade teacher, she helps transforms students from early learners to ones who are ready for upper school with such ease, often giving them a sense of self accomplishment in her classroom as leaders and supporters of their peers. She uses her time wisely as a mother, wife, educator, and grandmother to juggle all the hats she wears. She is an amazing person and everyone that gets to know her is aware of her tenacity for life and helping others. I salute this educator as one of the best!

Therese's Superpower: Humor Through Stressful Times

Angela Horst
Lititz, PA

Elevated by Logan Horst

Angela shows up for her students every day. She creates a safe and trusting environment for her students! She knows how important this is especially for those with trauma and wants to care for everyone who walks through her door!

Angela's Superpower: Understanding her students emotions

Sydney Allen
Wheatland, WY

Elevated by Danielle Parker

Sydney Allen is a pioneer for the Science of Reading in our small school district in Wyoming. She is in her 3rd year of her Science of Reading journey and is using her knowledge to make a lasting difference. She has worked with students through her former role as a Title 1 teacher and is now boldly stepping into the classroom, impacting her first grade students' lives by teaching the whole literate child: Reading, writing, and spelling. She is what education needs right now!

Adaptability is Sydney's super power. When she learns something new, she can put it into action to benefit her students!

Kellee Andrews
Grimes, IA

Elevated by Kara Wishman

Kellee is a Reading Interventionist at a Title 1 school where she has spent the last few years learning and implementing the science of reading with her students as well as educating her peers and bringing them alongside her. They have seen increases in scores and she has developed lasting relationships with students and their families. She continues to build her knowledge through her own study and meetings with other educators in a teacher’s group focused on helping children read. She has also conducted many book clubs during the summer for students without pay on her own time.

Kellee's Superpower: Lifelong learner and Spirit Elevator

Morgan Petersen
Prescott Valley, AZ

Elevated by Kelly Van Kirk

My son was lucky enough to have Ms. Petersen two years in a row. She did a phenomenal job of getting him through a quarter of online work. When we were able to transition back to in-person learning, she really knocked it out of the park! My son knows Ms. Petersen cares about more than just his academic capabilities. She cares about him as a person and she helped guide him through some challenging situations. She also helped him improve his reading skills and helped him find books that he now loves. I asked him what makes Ms. Petersen special and he said it's how much she cares for all of her students. She still checks in on her students from previous years because they will always be her students. Whenever students come back to visit after leaving our school, they all want to see Ms. Petersen. Her impact on her students never goes away.

Ms. Petersen's superpower is connecting with her students. Those connections last forever!

Tammy Davis
Prescott Valley, AZ

Elevated by Kelly Van Kirk

Mrs. Davis is an amazing teacher. Both of my children had the privilege of being in her class. They both still talk about her. My daughter is particularly fond of Mrs. Davis because she is so kind. Mrs. Davis inspired a love of learning in both of my kids that has continued outside of their first grade classroom. Her classroom theme was llamas and to this day, anytime we see a llama stuffed animal, figurine, or sticker, my kids say we have to get it for Mrs. Davis! I love that they love her so much. I know that they not only learned academics from her, but they also learned compassion, kindness, and empathy. She always has a big smile on her face and a laugh ready to make your day better. Mrs. Davis is an exceptional teacher who deserves to be recognized for the hard work she puts in every single day.

Mrs. Davis's superpower is her kindness. She is able to be kind in any situation.

Vanessa Escarcega
Chula Vista, CA

Elevated by Mark Spencer

Mrs. Escarcega is deserving of this award because she is an amazing teacher. She puts children first! Students love her because she is kind, creative, and funny. She uses her creativity to make learning fun! Many students over the years have come back to visit her and say “You were my FAVORITE teacher.” That is because of how she puts the needs of her students first. Whether it is a hug, some extra help, or even just a snack, Mrs. Escarcega knows the value of being there for her kids. Additionally, she has been part of a group of teachers that coordinate dramatic plays every year. I cannot think of another teacher more deserving of recognition for her years of service to kids!

Vanessa's Superpower: Creativity – She can take even dry & boring content and create a project to make it fun and engaging!

Jen Rusin
Oswego, IL

Elevated by Steph McHugh

Jen is an exceptional teacher for so many reasons, but particularly because of her love for books that flows right out of her and straight into the hearts of her second graders. Jen is known amongst her colleagues and her friends in schools in surrounding districts as being a picture book lover to the extreme! She celebrates book releases with a book birthday countdown calendar, she “book ninjas” kids and teachers throughout her school, and she connects regularly with authors and illustrators both at in-person events and via her very active Twitter account @Jenann4r. Jen celebrates stories in a way that is contagious, and by the time her students are heading to third grade they’re in the know of every #kidlit book creator around and have genuine excitement for all the parts of a story – including the book “undies!” Jen is simply the best, and her generosity in spending her well-earned money to create the most diverse, updated, and engaging classroom library around provides her students with the opportunity to find stories that are just right for each of them – no matter what interests they have or genres they prefer.

And it should also be noted that “Mrs. Rusin’s Readers” have access to an autographed book collection that is out of this world… just one more reason that Jen Rusin’s students are the luckiest second graders around!

Jen's Superpower: Jen's love of books flows right out of her and straight into the hearts of her second graders!

Lindsey Moss
Yorkville, IL

Elevated by Steph McHugh

Good educators provide lessons that engage their students; great educators give experiences to kids that instill in them a life-long passion for their subject area. Lindsey is not only constantly creating art lessons that are both meaningful and engaging, but also super creative and memorable, too. Lindsey’s art shows always stand out because of the innovative ideas she has; her students have even made miniature golf courses – and she always has a glow-in-the-dark portion of her art show experiences as well!

Lindsey has been an art teacher for two decades, and 17 of those years have all been at once school. Linds – along with the rest of her exploratory team – is the heart of her school. Their team leads school-wide initaitves to boost staff morale, and creates fun night events for families that bring them together to bond while being creative and having lots of fun together. Last year, Lindsey and her exploratory team planned a STEAM challenge night for families, inspired by the television show “Making It.” They prepped for weeks, preparing and getting the word out, and then the night of they were not only hilarious as the hosts of the event, but also truly inspired their school families as incredibly creative structures were formed during their cardboard competition.

Linds is an incredible assest to her school and school district as a whole, and we are all grateful to be inspired by her brilliance – as well as the kindness & thoughtfulness she shows on a daily basis.

Lindsey's Superpower: Lindsey provides her students with memories and a passion for art that will last a lifetime!

Nicole Martinez
Yorkville, IL

Elevated by Steph McHugh

Nicole Martinez is a stellar human and the integrity, creativity, & loyalty that defines her is evident in every ounce of her teaching. Nicole has incredible integrity, and takes every minute she is with students to bring them a valuable, meaningful, and engaging lesson. As she does this, she never takes the easy route. She puts full effort into every lesson she teaches, and if students struggle with the topic she takes the time to revisit it again and again until it is mastered. The patience she has blows me away.

For anyone entering Nicole’s libraries, you can hear her doing a read aloud clear down the hall. Every character has a unique voice and personality that makes the kids feel all the feels during stories she shares. I’ll often pause what I’m doing to get in even one minute listening to Nicole read a picture book to her little learners, because they’re giggling like crazy and the joy that fills the room is contagious.

Nicole is loyal to the kids she teaches – always showing up for them in every way. But she’s also as dependable as they come to her fellow teaching partners. If she volunteers to help with something, she is always in for the long haul – showing up every step of the way.

Nicole is an incredible educator & librarian, and I think it’s definitely worth your while to stop by for a visit to hear the most entertaining read alouds you’ve ever witnessed!

Nicole's Superpower: The integrity, creativity, & loyalty that defines Nicole is evident in every ounce of her teaching.

Katie Bailey
Yorkville, IL

Elevated by Steph McHugh

When asking students what they like about Katie Bailey they immediately reply with, “She’s fun!” What more could you ask for in a teacher, right? But that’s the beauty of Katie; there are so many layers to what simply appears as “fun” to a third grader. Somehow kids learn, grow, and thrive to the moon and beyond in her class, but they’re still enjoying themselves so much that they still see this as her most glowing attribute.

Katie sees her kids as individuals in every way. She gets to know the likes & dislikes of each child in her classroom and uses that to drive her lessons. If you’d watch her teach for many years, you’d notice how much her lessons change because she alters them greatly based on student interest and need. For example, last year Katie had a group of boys in her class who were CRAZY about football. She spent tons of time creating Superbowl-themed stations the Friday before the Superbowl. They were incredibly engaged in the activites because she knows them so well that she makes EACH and every student excited to be at school by connecting their learning with things they love.

Katie is also an incredible leader and teammate. She listens, contributes, and collaborates; she always shows up, and does so with excitement which causes those around her to have that same joy for what’s happening.
Katie is an absolutely incredible teacher and her students and colleagues are lucky to know her!

Katie's Superpower: Katie makes every minute of learning & growing FUN!

Anna Pakozdi
Yorkville, IL

Elevated by Steph McHugh

Anna Pakozdi is an exceptional educator. In her special education role she show passion and dedication to the utmost degree. She is calm and patient, even in difficult situations, and is committed to meeting the needs of each of her students as individuals. Not only does she do everything from her heart for her students, she is also adored by her colleagues and known for her patience, good attitude, and sense of humor. She leads her team by being prepared & organized, and is detail oriented so she is ready for whatever each day brings. Anna is full of heart and a shining example of an exceptional educator!

Anna's Superpower: Anna is fully committed to meeting the needs of each of her students as individuals in every way.

Melissa Darrow
Raleigh, NC

Elevated by Lane Baima

Melissa is the kind of teacher that you remember from back when you went to school. She is also kind of teacher who you turn to when you have a question, need some support, or do you want to invite somebody fun to hang out with you! Lisa has been a mentor teacher for new teacher candidates for a large portion of her teaching career as well. Through all of this I’ve only seen Melissa offer her support, encouragement, and her heart! She is passionate and this is definitely her true calling.

Melissa's Superpower: Reading Specialist, she’s a super friend too!

Mark Spencer
Chula Vista, CA

Elevated by Vanessa Escarcega

Mr. Spencer is deserving of this award because he is an amazing teacher. He puts children first! Students love Mr. Spencer because he is kind, patient, and funny. He also teaches students how to play the ukulele! Many students throughout the years have learned to play the ukulele because of his willingness to share us love for music. Additionally, Mr. Spencer has been part of a group of teachers that perform a dramatic play every year.

Mark's Superpower: Talented! He’s musically talented as well as dramatic – in the sense that he loves drama and teaches students about plays, performances, etc.

Crystal Richards
Olivehurst, CA

Elevated by Joyce Johnson

Crystal teaches 2nd graders and is absolutely amazing at it. She works so hard to create a STEM-rich environment where kids can choose how they are going to learn best and is very active in writing grants and getting donations so that her students have every opportunity to learn and create! She truly is the MVE!

Crystal's Superpower: Understanding

Toria Randall
Memphis, TN

Elevated by Joyce Johnson

Dr. Randall is a phenomenal teacher. Her specialty is in working with kids that are learning English as a Second Language and she splits her time between two schools writing language goals, plans, and supports for them! She loves on all her babies and provides a safe environment for them to be vulnerable and take risks without fear of misspeaking or embarrassing themselves! She’s truly the MVE!

Toria's Superpower: Love!

Tracey Fuschich
Oregon House, CA

Elevated by Crystal Richards

Tracey teaches Kindergarten and is amazing at it! She cares about her students and works hard to make sure that the lessons she plans are relevant and inspiring for her students. Tracey also volunteers her time to help with fundraisers for her school and makes sure each student starts the school year with their own book to take home that comes from a friend or family member of hers with a special inspiring message for each student to let them know that they are cared for. She also tries to bring in different animals and items to her campus for each letter of the week! She has pulled off getting a lot of animals brought to her school that her Kindergartners may never have had the opportunity to see up close! She is amazing!

Tracey's superpower is turning Kindergarten into life experience!

Jack Wilson
Grayslake, IL

Elevated by Susan Dickson

Jack Wilson is the Automotive instructor at Lake County Tech Campus. Jack has partnered with a local shop owners to create an internship program that brings work-based learning opportunities to his students. This program called "Give me 10," and partners local shop owners with a student. This program is designed to give the students hands on experience at a local shop. The local automotive repair shops have the option to hire the students after their internship and many have been hired. Also, with the assistance of Workforce Development programs. Jack has created career path for many of these students to gain experience with Workforce Development grant dollars. As of date this program has serviced over 75 students and has collected over $325,000 in grant assistance. Many of these students are currently employed in the industry and some are attending local community college on grant funds. Jack has taken his teaching to the next level by partnering with the community. The "Give Me 10" program is now expanding into other career paths at the Tech Campus and is growing. I am proud of the teacher who looks beyond the classroom to give his students this experience that is life changing.

Jack's Superpower: Teaching in classroom is very structured. Jack has taken his superpower to add the work-based learning experience to his curriculum. By adding independent shops to the student's experience, Jack had the opportunity to showcase the students work by creating a Car Raffle. One independent shop owner got a car donated to program. Jack and his students rebuilt the car with the help of a parts store. This car was showcased in conjunction with local repair shops to raise over 11,000. View this you tube https://youtu.be/GoULM41aUyA some of the money helped a NFP called Mothers Trust and the rest of the money started our Tool Grant program. NOW that's dedication!

Megan Walker
Jackson, MI

Elevated by Laura Lewis

Megan Walker is a special education for an Intermediate School District, and teaches in one of the area public schools. She teaches students with moderate cognitive impairments (MOCI) grades K-5. She is able to differentiate for each and every student on a daily basis. To me, this is magic.

Megan's Superpower: Magic -- Mrs. Walker is able to meet the needs of all the students in her special needs classroom on a daily basis.

Joe Thornton
Okemos, MI

Elevated by Laura Lewis

Joe Thornton is a gift to the school he works in -- teachers, students, parents, community who are able to see his influence are in awe. His love of learning, especially his love of reading, is contagious. He is building students up for success as he uses books to teach the basics, but he is also building empathetic and informed citizens for our future.

Joe's Superpower: Magnetism. Students are drawn to Mr. Thornton and are interested in everything about him. He is known for drawing in young readers and hooking them on an amazingly diverse library.

Stacey Rapp
Santa Maria, CA

Elevated by Maria J

Mrs. Rapp is a teacher who has that special something. You know what I'm talking about.... she has a way with children. There is something about how she interacts with them that allows the kids to feel comfortable to be themselves knowing that they will always be loved and accepted for who they are. She uses her teacher magic to allow her students to see what they are capable of accomplishing if they try their best.

My child hated school. Hate is a strong word, and my child hated school. I some how got him to go to his first day of second grade where he met his new teacher... Mrs. Rapp. He saw that something special in his teacher and was willing to return to school day after day without a fight. Some mornings he was up and getting ready before I even asked him to.

All of the behavior issues he had in Kindergarten and first grade weren't there anymore. Mrs. Rapp helped him learn how to talk through feelings and really made him feel heard. I took what she taught him and we used it at home. I could never thank Mrs. Rapp for changing my son's outlook on himself and what he is capable of.

My son currently is currently a Sophomore in college and he still carries those values and skills he learned from his (favorite) second grade teacher with him today. Mrs. Rapp will forever live on in my child.

Stacy's Sperpower: The Teacher's Spark – Mrs. Rapp is able to ignite that special spark in her students to help them take the world by storm in her classroom and for the rest of their lives.

Jennifer Freckmann
Milwaukee, WI

Elevated by Layla Freckmann

I’m nominating my Mom for Freadom's Most Valuable Educator because of the influence she had on myself, my sisters and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Growing up, my Mom took the time to sit us down at the kitchen table and go over school subjects that we didn’t understand. The additional help in our home life, impacted our grades and was a key factor to raising three successful women. She also read to us every night when we were young and encouraged independent reading as we got older. In addition, my Mom has worked at MPS for over 20 years. She puts the most time and energy into improving test scores at schools that have low-income families and might not have the necessary resources to succeed. During the pandemic, I was amazed at her efforts to hand deliver homework packets to students’ homes and to ensure education was still being taught effectively through Zoom. She continues to inspire me and the educational system each day, and I know she’s a strong candidate for MVE.

Jennifer's Superpower: Perseverance - She continues to strive to improve test scores at MPS even during the pandemic.

Stacey Rapp
Santa Maria, CA

Elevated by Alissa B

Stacey Rapp is a true teacher blessing. She is not someone I know in person. I met her in a teacher social media group I joined my first year teaching. I introduced myself to the group and Stacey reached out to say hello and that she was teaching the same grade level as I was.
She told me if I need anything to reach out. She let me pick her brain, shared how she plans , shared activities and my classroom management is amazing because of what I have learned from her.

She has taught me not just to teach what is expected but to teach my students to be kind humans and to let them know day in and day out just how amazing they are because you never know if that will be the only person who ever tells them that. I have learned from her to model how to share feelings effectively so my students can work through feelings with each other.

I am so grateful for that day she reached out and welcomed me to the world of teaching and being so gracious to take me under her wing.

Stacy's Sperpower: Super Supporter – Stacey Rapp would give you tve shirt off her back if it meant she can help you succeed.

Amanda Hunt
New Braunfels, TX

Elevated by Amber Reifsneider

Amanda Hunt is one if the best library/media specialists that I have "met" through Instagram. She helped inspire me to pursue my masters in library science, and I now get to be a middle school librarian in Pennsylvania! She is so helpful when I have questions and she is amazing at connecting students with books and making awesome book suggestions!

Amanda's superpower is connecting people with books. She is amazing at making book suggestions and reviewing books that helps librarians like me add to my collection.

Delia Regan
East Hampton, CT

Elevated by Allie Bayer

“Exceptional” is the exact word I think of when I think of Mrs. Regan. Delia is high energy and there for her students even on days I know she doesn’t have much left to give. She works tirelessly to keep learning fun and reading accessible to all of her students. She made the switch from middle school to high school just a few years ago and ALL of those kids are lucky to have had English class with someone so compassionate and hard working.

Delia's superpower: Rapid reading!

Kelly Cross
Prosper, TX

Elevated by Laura McCauley

Kelly is one of the best teachers I’ve ever met, and every year continues to get better and better. She teaches Kindergarten, and she shows up every day for her students and gives them what they need to be successful. Whenever I need a break from the day, I walk past the kindergarten hallway and it always puts a smile on my face. Kelly teaches in a way that keeps the students engaged in whatever activity they are doing. Our school district is so lucky to have her as a teacher.

Kelly's superpower: Patience - she listens to a student, no matter the question or explanation, and provides a meaningful response

Gina Weber
Louisville, KY

Elevated by Sandra Weber

Gina Weber has dedicated the past 18 years creating a learning environment that engages young students to become independent learners, problem solvers, and critical thinkers in order to prepare them for the 21st century world. She is a tireless, hard-working teacher who has won many awards and recognitions. The most recent honor was being named the 2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year in Bullitt Co., KY where she teaches fourth grade at Freedom Elementary School. She graduated with honors from Bellarmine University and the University of Louisville and holds a Rank I in Education. During the COVID pandemic, Gina was selected to serve as a primary remote teacher and was responsible for creating lessons for an interactive classroom that helped engage students to take an active part in the distant learning and to offer support to the parents and guardians who served as their learning coaches. She provided the learners with engaging lessons and made herself available during certain office hours each day to answer questions or concerns both from the learners and the parents or guardians. Keeping a close connection between home and school helped everyone be successful during a most trying time.

The superpower that Gina Weber has is her knowledge and use of technology in the classroom which she turned into a mini broadcast studio during Covid to keep the educational process going and to keep the students engaged.