The best teachers stay with us forever. They encourage, innovate, and challenge. They impart not just knowledge but a love of learning and discovery. They are essential to our communities and play a critical role in shaping the next generation and maintaining our democracy.
The NEA Foundation proudly celebrates exceptional public school educators nationwide with the Travelers Insurance Awards for Teaching Excellence. Conferred annually by the Foundation since 2001, the awards recognize K-12 public school educators from around the country for excellence in the classroom, dedication to family and community engagement, a commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession.
The awards are then formally presented at the Salute to Excellence in Education, which takes place in the nation’s capital each year.
The NEA Foundation supports all educator awardees in sharing their stories and expertise and advocating for the teaching profession. As part of that commitment, the Foundation hosts a series of storytelling and advocacy workshops for the educators and facilitates opportunities for them to share about their work in the media.
Nominate An Educator
National Education Association state affiliates each nominate a different educator every year as an exemplar of the best in the teaching profession in their state.
Five of the awardees are then selected by a panel of education experts to receive the prestigious Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence. Additionally, one of the five finalists is chosen to receive the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, the top honor in public education.
