FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honored, a national nonprofit dedicated to celebrating exceptional teachers and elevating the teaching profession, today announced that Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actress, producer, and advocate Jennifer Garner has been named the inaugural recipient of the Honored Advocate for Teachers Award.

The announcement of Garner’s award is featured on Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast, where she discusses the importance of teachers and why they deserve more recognition and support. The podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

The annual award, presented each September, recognizes a public figure who consistently uses their platform to uplift teachers and advocate for the issues that educators face. Garner was selected for her ongoing dedication to celebrating the educators who shaped her and for her tireless advocacy on behalf of children, families, and teachers nationwide.

Garner has repeatedly shined a spotlight on her own teachers, crediting her elementary school librarian for nurturing her love of reading, and her ballet teacher, for instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and hard work. Garner has shared these stories across her platforms, particularly during back-to-school seasons and Teacher Appreciation Weeks, serving as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping lives.

Beyond her personal tributes, Garner has also been a tireless advocate for early childhood education. As a longtime Save the Children Trustee, she has visited rural communities across America to listen to families and advocate for federal and state policy changes to strengthen early learning opportunities, Head Start programs, and support for teachers.

“I have met the most incredible people on the planet, and they are teachers in America,” said Jennifer Garner. “We should honor teachers all the time—don’t wait for Teacher Appreciation Week.”

“Teachers are the heart of our communities, shaping not only students’ futures but the future of our country,” said Karen Sonneborn, Co-Founder of Honored. “We are thrilled to present Jennifer Garner with the first-ever Honored Advocate for Teachers Award. Her passion for celebrating teachers and her tireless advocacy for children and families make her the perfect inaugural recipient. We are proud to stand alongside Jennifer in shining a national spotlight on the extraordinary work teachers do every day.”

“At Honored, we believe every teacher’s story deserves to be told,” said Katherine Boone, Co-Founder of Honored. “Jennifer Garner has long used her voice to elevate the teachers who shaped her and to advocate for educators everywhere. Recognizing her with this inaugural award reflects our mission to honor those who champion teachers and remind the world of their profound impact.”

In addition to the Honored Advocate for Teachers Award, the organization gives the Honored National Teaching Award every month of the school year to a teacher who has made a meaningful impact on a child’s life. Since its founding, Honored and its sister organization, Honored Schools, have recognized over 100 teachers nationwide and awarded over $500,000 in direct support to educators, with each Honoree receiving a $5,000 prize. The organization’s mission is to keep great teachers in the classroom and inspire a new generation to pursue teaching by amplifying their extraordinary impact through powerful storytelling. To nominate a teacher, visit https://www.honored.org/nominate/.

Based in Washington, D.C., Honored nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating exceptional teachers and elevating the teaching profession. By sharing teachers’ powerful stories, Honored keeps great teachers in the classroom and inspires a new generation of talent to pursue teaching. Learn more at www.honored.org.

Honored Press Contact

Rachel Pratt

[email protected]

850-980-2787