This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Has a teacher made a positive impact in your life? Do you know an educator dedicated to standing up for students’ rights? If so, then you may want to nominate that person for the National Liberty Museum’s Teacher as Hero Award. The deadline to make nominations is Feb. 28.
This yearly recognition program celebrates dedicated teachers and educators in the Philadelphia area who have made a difference in students’ lives through their positive leadership and advocacy for students, staff, and their learning environment.
Teachers can be nominated for the award based on a variety of characteristics, including, but not limited to, fostering an appreciation for classroom diversity, honoring student voices, and teaching respectful conflict resolution.
Winning teachers will be honored at the museum’s Teacher as Hero Award Ceremony. Additionally, each winner will receive a gift, and a museum exhibit will feature each winner’s story.
Last year, 19 teachers were given the Teacher as Hero Award, including eight from Philadelphia District, charter, and parochial schools. This year, 20 awards are available.
New this year is an award for teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching driver and auto safety to teens, in recognition of the event’s sponsor, State Farm Insurance.
Nominations can be made online here. The National Liberty Museum, with a mission of “preserving America’s heritage of freedom by encouraging people to find their own place in the story of liberty,” is located at 321 Chestnut St.
Shannon Nolan is an intern at the Notebook.