New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award

New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award

Overview: NSNO launched this award program to honor outstanding educators throughout New Orleans whose contributions rarely make headlines but whose impact endures long after students leave their classrooms.

Purpose

The award recognizes and celebrates great teachers who:
• Excel at driving student learning
• Demonstrate commitment to honing their craft and continuous learning
• Build strong relationships with students
• Have significant impact on their school community

Geographic Scope

New Orleans, Louisiana - Public school teachers across the city, including both public charter schools and traditional district schools

Eligibility

• Public school teachers in New Orleans
• Teaches in any grade level (Kindergarten through 12th grade)
• Teaches all core subjects and serves all populations of students
• Includes teachers serving special populations such as:
- English Language Learners - Students reading far below grade level - Students with special needs - Special education

Selection Criteria

Winners are selected based on:
• Ability to drive student achievement
• Commitment to developing skills as educators - ongoing learning to hone their craft
• Strength of relationships with students
• Effect on their school community

Application Process

• School leaders from across the city nominate outstanding teachers
• Nominees fill out a questionnaire on why they teach in New Orleans
• Nominees submit a video of them teaching
• Finalists are chosen from nominations
• Winners are announced (typically in May)

Award Details

• Launched in 2015 as inaugural program
• 7-18 finalists selected annually
• 7-9 award winners selected annually
• Winners are celebrated at events bringing finalists and winners together
• Typically announced during National Teacher Appreciation Week (May)

Contact Information

New Schools for New Orleans
• Address: 1555 Poydras Street, Ste 781, New Orleans, LA 70112
• Phone: (504) 230-0122
• Email: info@nsno.org
• Website: newschoolsforneworleans.org

Background

The award was created to:
• Shine a spotlight on the excitement, innovation, and love that characterize New Orleans classrooms
• Recognize the hundreds of educators supporting and inspiring students
• Honor teachers whose work has been underappreciated in recent years
• Create a tradition of recognizing educators across the city