Nominations Open for NYC’s Top Teaching Honor: $400,000 in Prizes to Celebrate Educators Who Inspire

FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence invites New Yorkers to nominate outstanding public school teachers from 3-K through 12th grade

Nominations Now Open: Winners and finalists to be honored in June 2026 with $400,000 in cash prizes

Now entering its 7th year, the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence has announced the opening of nominations for its annual awards program, which recognizes and rewards extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through passion, creativity, and commitment. Since its launch in 2019, the program has recognized more than 190 teachers across all five boroughs and awarded over $2 million in prizes—making it the largest award of its kind in New York City.

Six grand-prize winners—one from each of New York City’s five boroughs and one 3-K through 5th-grade educator from any borough—will each receive a $25,000 cash prize, and their schools will each receive $10,000 for arts-based initiatives designed by the winners. Finalists will each receive $10,000, and their schools will receive $5,000 to support arts programming.

Last year, the FLAG Award drew a record 1,600 submissions from students, parents, principals, and colleagues across New York City. 

“This award celebrates the transformative difference that public school teachers make in their students’ lives,” said Glenn Fuhrman, Co-Founder of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. “Last year’s record number of nominations showed how deeply New Yorkers value their teachers. We’re excited to build on that momentum and recognize even more extraordinary educators this year.”

“Every nomination is a chance to shine a light on a teacher who goes above and beyond,” said Risa Daniels, Co-President of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. “We encourage every New Yorker to take a few minutes to nominate the educator who has made a difference in their life or their child’s life,” added Laura Twersky, Co-President.

Winners are selected by a prestigious independent jury of education and civic leaders. The 2025-2026 awards cycle jury will once again include Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York, who has served on the jury since its inception. The other members of the jury are Emily Chandler, 2024-2025 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence Winner; Shamilia McBean Tocruray, Director of Education at The Brooklyn Museum; Mark Dunetz, President of New Visions for Public Schools; and Pam Haas, NY Executive Director of Facing History & Ourselves.

The deadline for nominations is November 30, 2025. Teachers can be nominated by students, parents, school faculty, and other school community members at flagaward.org/nominate-your-teacher. 

The grand prize winners for the 2024-2025 awards cycle were:

• Kenrick Small, Business and Entrepreneurship teacher, Manhattan Business Academy (Manhattan) – Created innovative entrepreneurship programs preparing students for college and careers.
• Emily Chandler, Special Education teacher, PS 371K Lillian Rashkis (Brooklyn) – Developed inclusive teaching strategies that improved student engagement and achievement.
• Alhassan Susso, Social Studies teacher, International Community High School (Bronx) – Helped immigrant students thrive through leadership and civic engagement programs.
• Julio Mejia, Career and Technical Education teacher, New Dorp High School (Staten Island) – Launched hands-on technical training opportunities that connect students to workforce pathways.
• Alanna O’Donnell, Special Education teacher, P177Q The Robin Sue Ward School (Queens) – Built an on-site urban farm and chicken coop to teach life skills and empathy to autistic students.
• Angelo Imperati, Math teacher, PS 75 (Bronx) – Raised math proficiency rates and mentored fellow educators, winner of the 3-K–5th grade category.

About the Nominations Process

Timeline: Nominations are open now through November 30, 2025. Semi-finalists will be notified in February 2026; winners will be announced in June 2026.

Who is Eligible: Full-time teachers in NYC public schools, grades 3-K through 12, with a minimum of five years of teaching experience.

Who can Nominate: Students, students’ family members, principals, or fellow teachers and colleagues.

Criteria: Teachers are evaluated on the FLAG Award’s CREATE framework:

• Challenges and inspires students of all abilities, utilizing innovative teaching techniques and approaches to curricula and activities.
• Reaches out beyond the classroom, making a positive impact on the school and the community.
• Embraces their role as an educator with tireless, devoted dedication. 
• Acknowledges the full spectrum of potential in each and every student.
• Teaches through example, as a leader and role model both inside the classroom and out.
• Engages in opportunities for self-improvement and continues to learn, grow, and develop as a teacher.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the FLAG Award program and the nomination process, visit flagaward.org/faq. 

About the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence

The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, founded by Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman, recognizes and celebrates extraordinary New York City public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. This award is funded by The FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education and by The Fuhrman Family Foundation. It is administered by co-presidents, Risa Daniels and Laura Twersky. flagaward.org