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The Honor Roll recognizes every teacher nominated for the Honored National Teaching Award. Every nomination matters: Research shows that teachers who see the impact they have on students’ lives stay engaged and inspired, and they continue teaching longer.
Congratulations to all of our exceptional nominees!
Arnold Aaron
Barry Goldwater High School
Phoenix, Arizona
Bradley Brown
Some of the things that make mr aronld awesome are that he likes joking around with people, and he gives out snacks when he can.
Some of the things that make me want to go to his class are that his class is cold, and also that he lets people sit in his teacher's chair, which is comfortable.
He lets us know that he cares about us because he has a bunch of QR codes that say if you need help scan or he will say if u need to talk to someone i am here.
when he jokes around
Marian Abad
Victoria Fertitta Middle School
Las Vegas, Nevada
Cam Johnson
At Victoria Fertitta Middle School, there is a special education teacher who specializes in teaching students in the Specific Learning Disability (S.L.D.) class. Because of her being my teacher for the past three years, I have had an incredible middle school experience. As an incoming 6th grader, it was quite scary, but Ms. Abad quickly became my favorite teacher and biggest advocate. Over the years, she has challenged me, and my peers, to reach and exceed our I.E.P. goals and to always try our very best. Writing, revising, and implementing Individualized Education Plans (I.E.P.’s) and preparing lessons for sixteen students (each year) in grades 6th through 8th who are at various levels and differing abilities, is not the only thing Ms. Abad is incredible and effective at. She does so much more inside and outside of the classroom.
Each year, when I was on the basketball, Ms. Abad always attended the home games and cheered me on when I was able to play. Off the court, Ms. Abad encouraged me to improve my leadership skills by being an advisor for the Best Buddies Club. Because of her, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana where I learned about advocating for myself and others with disabilities. At this conference, Fertitta Middle School was nominated for "Outstanding Chapter of the Year" in the Nevada middle school category. I was also part of the "friendship" initiative for Best Buddies NV. Not only has Ms. Abad been involved in the Best Buddies program, but she has also helped Fertitta Middle School become a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. With this partnership, Ms. Abad has hosted Special Olympic events at our school and taken our entire class and other students to various Special Olympic events at schools around the Clark County School District. All of these efforts were recognized by Fertitta Middle School becoming an "ESPN Top 45 Honor Roll School" this past year. With these honors, Ms. Abad has consistently exemplified leadership in unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.
Ms. Abad you deserve this recognition and so much more, not only for what you have done for me, but what you continuously do for each of your students year after year. Ms. Abad you are the definition of a super hero in disguise! Thank you for all the seen and unseen things you do!
Miss Agileda
Spanish Lake Elementary
Hialeah, Florida
Alissa Minier
Miss. Agileda was my fav bc she understand what i say. and she love ever one the same as she love herself.
Maria Alejandria
Seven Lakes Junior High
Katy, Texas
Elliott Lazarine
This teacher always tries her best to let everyone have a great day, she excites me for this class because she teaches in a manner that is both fun and effective.
Jannet Alvarez
Spanish Lake Elementary
Hialeah, Florida
Ruth Varela
The best teacher in the whole school
Autumn Anderson
Rhea County Middle School
Evensville, Tennessee
Emma Morgan
Ms. Anderson is by far one of the best teachers I've ever had. Walking into her classroom makes me feel safe. She is someone I can always talk to and is a great teacher.
Yvonne Baker
Neil Hellman School
Albany, New York
Kaeden Ruiz-Nolan
Miss Baker,
Where do I start? Miss Baker was the absolute best teacher my son Kaeden has had thus far. He is currently excelling in 9th grade and I truly feel that it was due to all of his teachers from previous years but most importantly Miss Baker. She gave Kaeden the space to learn and grow. She created a confidence in Kaeden that I have never seen before. My son has never spoken so highly of a teacher like he does Miss Baker. She is the definition of someone who loves the job they do, and the children she teaches every day. She never missed a school event and was always there to cheer Kaeden on and for her I am so grateful.
Thank you so much Miss Baker for your amazing work, and dedication to helping my son and other children want to be in school and get an education.
Joshua Baloney
Barry Goldwater High School
Phoenix, Arizona
Gavin Cammarata
In my freshman year, when I was with baloney for a week then I realized he's my favorite ela teacher and I actually enjoyed, so I did good in his class. But sadly he can't teach senior so I won't get him next year.
Katie Beacham
Gettys Middle School
Easley, South Carolina
Bailee Russell
Gettys middle school teaching staff is not fully aware of the exceptional qualities possessed by one of their colleagues. This individual has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to assisting my daughter's academic progress. Mrs Beacham, your dedication is truly commendable. I extend my sincere gratitude for your invaluable support and unwavering belief in Bailee. Your exceptional abilities are truly remarkable. It is my hope that the School District of Pickens County recognizes the exceptional value you bring to the educational environment. You are an exceptional educator, and it is evident that this profession represents your true calling.
Bailee absolutely adores you for all you have done and continue to do!
Heidi Beardsley
Hutchison High
Fairbanks, Alaska
Riley Staten
Mrs. Beardsley is by far my favorite teacher, not only is she kind, but she cares about the kids in our school. She checks up with every student, making sure everyone is doing all right. She is not too strict, but is able to set her boundaries. If I were a teacher, I would want to be like her.
Lisa Bell
Kalispell Russell elementary
Kalispell, Montana
Remi Erickson
This is my daughter‘s first year of school in kindergarten. I was very nervous to have her start school since she has been with me the last five years at home. Lisa Bell has made it nothing but an amazing experience for my daughter. She shares fun stories about the day. She’s very communicative and she makes teaching really fun. My daughter loves learning and loves her class. She never wants to miss school, which I think is a huge example of the kind of teacher that she is. We love her so much and we are so excited to finish the year with her. Lisa Bell is an incredible teacher and deserves this so much.
Andrew Bethel
James A. Garfield
Indianapolis, Indiana
Lavani Wilson
When Lavani first came in to school I was so worried. Our first experience with a public school life skills classroom was not good. As soon as we had our first meeting with Andrew I knew this was going to be a great fit for Lavani. I was so right she has come alive and done some incredible things in the 1.5 years she has been with Andrew. I know it's a team with this program but one of the hardest parts of that team is being the teacher. I know how much you work for our kids, it has been incredible to see. I know how much work a regular teacher puts I when they have 1 or 2 ieps in a classroom but to have every student in your classroom have a very extensive IEP it's amazing that you have time to do anything else. Also I think it's amazing that you try to include every child in to everything you do like the field day last year where you pushed Vani in her stroller in the race, she might not remember that but I will always remember that.
Melissa Booney
Faith Bible Christian Academy
Rosamond, Illinois
Temperance Pickler
Mrs.Booney. I wanted to honor you for being the best first teacher ever! You have taught me so much about kindness and love, you make my morning so bright I cant wait to come to school to see you. Thank you for all the extra you have taught me for in school and out of school. Im so blessed to have you as my teacher to start my journey of education that will have many more years ahead of me. Thank you for our snuggle time and for being her for me when I was ready to talk about my brother after his accident and the hope you give me. Your so pure hearted and patient with all of us littles... I wanted you to know how much you are loved. I started this year at only three years old and when I met you I knew I didnt have to be scared to leave my mommy and come to school. Thank you for everything you have taught me and everything you continue to teach me everyday im at school . I love you Mrs.Booney...
Joshua Bowers
Highland Elementary School
Melissa, Texas
Matthew Chavez
what makes my teacher awesome is he doesn't do callbacks. Some things that make me excited to go to his class is he talks to me calmly. they let me know they care about me is they don't do call backs and they he lets us play with his valuable stuff. They make me do better and more confident by teaching us what other teachers don't. They support me inside class by talking to me calmly.
Judy Bremner
Sawgrass Springs Middle School
Coral Springs, Florida
Brooklyn Defroscia
I just wanted to nominate my teacher, Judy Bremner, of Broward County School District/Sawgrass Springs Middle School to be recognized during teacher appreciation week. Ms. Bremner does SO much for both our school AND our District that goes unrecognized. Recently, she purchased mulch and re-mulched the garden beds in our entire school so that kids would want to come here when they see how beautiful our campus is. She also had a homeless student once. When she found out he was homeless, she secretly would deliver items to his 6th period teacher to take home- like toiletries, food, etc.. When a mass shooting occurred in our District and we lost two former Sawgrass Springs Middle School Students, she didn't sit idly by- She applied for AND got- for our District- a $500,000 grant to improve safety and set up an anonymous reporting app for people who had information about potential violence. She then wrote a SECOND grant and got $643,000 to implement better mental health programming into EVERY school in our District. (Our District is the 6th largest school in the Nation!) She also is very involved in the Fitness Industry and got NBA player Brandon Knight to come to our school to sign basketballs. You can see she was nominated for LifeChanger of the Year at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmeUiRd3yfU She posts her lessons on ShareMyLesson.com. You can see that she has 96,000 downloads of her lessons. (She DOES NOT get paid for this!) On another note, one of her former students can tell you that when her daughter got ovarian cancer and they couldn't pay for their medical bills, Judy Bremner held a fundraiser to pay for her medical bills. When another student came to school late everyday, because she didn't have transportation to get here, Judy bought her a bike. It wasn't even Judy's student. It was another teacher's student. The long and short of it is that this woman is a saint with the amount of things she does. The District even put her through the District Leadership Preparation Program- which she graduated from in Dec 2024, but she remains on the front lines in the classroom even though she could be making WAY more money! Please recognize her, because she doesn't get the recognition she deserves. She almost won National Life Changer of the Year, but she was too humble when the school surprised her and brought a camera crew. View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmeUiRd3yfU
Louann Bruce
Caryn Elementary
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Jackson and Ella Kababik
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that I nominate Mrs. Bruce for teacher recognition this year. With more than 30 years of dedicated service, she represents everything a teacher should be—kind, patient, joyful, and deeply committed to the emotional and academic well-being of her students.
Mrs. Bruce has played a profound role in my family’s life. She taught my daughter Ella in TK two years ago and is now my son Jackson’s teacher. Over these years, she has been far more than an educator—she has been a constant source of safety, encouragement, and compassion.
When Ella was in Mrs. Bruce’s class, she was struggling with severe anxiety. School was overwhelming, but Mrs. Bruce became her safe place. Ella knew that when she walked into that classroom, she was seen, understood, and cared for. Even now, years later, when Ella has difficult mornings, Mrs. Bruce opens her classroom doors and welcomes her in to help ease the transition. She has done this consistently and lovingly throughout the entire school year, without hesitation or expectation—simply because she cares.
My son Jackson is autistic, and while he can have challenging moments, he absolutely adores Mrs. Bruce. School feels safe to him because she is there. On difficult mornings at home, simply telling Jackson that he will get to see Mrs. Bruce is enough to calm him and bring a smile to his face. That level of trust and connection is rare and extraordinary.
Mrs. Bruce also goes above and beyond to keep families connected. She regularly sends me photos of the kids throughout the day—something she has done for as long as we have known her. For our family, which does not have a large support system, those moments mean more than words can express. Over the years, Mrs. Bruce has been a steady source of reassurance and support not only for my children, but for me as a parent.
I can only imagine the countless lives she has touched over the course of her career. For more than three decades, she has shown up every single day genuinely happy and excited to see her students. Her kindness is not occasional—it is who she is. Mrs. Bruce is a light in this world. She was truly made to be a teacher, and I know that no other educator in my children’s academic lives will ever compare to her.
As she enters her final year of teaching, it would be a profound honor for her legacy to be recognized. Mrs. Bruce’s impact will live on in the confidence, comfort, and joy she has instilled in generations of students. She deserves every recognition possible for the immeasurable difference she has made.
With deepest gratitude,
Courtney Kababik
Andrew Burgess
Oscar A. Carlson High School
Gibraltar, Michigan
Athena German
Mr. Burgess is an awesome teacher! He has helped me in almost all of my subjects, including History, and Math! Mr. Burgess was my Girl Scout Gold Award Project Advisor. He has attended almost every one of my Girl Scout Gold Award meetings and club hangouts! Mr. Burgess is friendly towards everyone! For example, if he sees you walking down the hallway looking upset he may walk up to you and try to brighten up your day. Anyone who has interacted with Mr. Burgess has experienced his gratitude towards you! I have seen students and myself walk up to his classroom not just for extra help, but as a friend. He helps you work through your problems, big or small!
Teri Burke
W.F. West High School
Chehalis, Washington
Hope Ulrich
Mrs. Burke has been my by far favorite math teacher in years. She makes the work make sense, helps us with our work, pushes us to achieve new goals, and is overall an amazing person. She is always checking on her students, and continously checking up on us to make sure we are okay. She is constantly reminding us we are not dumb, and are amazing people and smart students. She makes me feel like a better and more confident student by reminding me I AM ABLE to do the assignment, and helps me become more confident in my abilities to complete the assignments and master the course. She's been my most supportive teacher, inside and out of the classroom. I was sick for a little bit, and she called home to make sure I was okay and not hurt. She is the best teacher for this award that I can think of. Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Burke!
Tracy Cain
Caruthersville Elementary School
Caruthersville, Missouri
Ally Hawks
My daughter is currently in Miss Cain's classroom in she has done more for my daughter then just being a teacher she mentally helped my daughter and myself with her heart and being so understanding in keeping me updated with my daughter and without her I doubt my daughter would have gotten the help she needed in school.. Ally recently made her first 100 on her spelling test in my daughters starting to enjoy school again her self confidence is at its best. But I mostly want to say when taking ally to meet her teacher this school year the note that was on all the desk for parents to take home that made me cry because have never seen so much love and compassion for students to actually sit down and print out papers for everyone that said "handle with care" in she had her personal information cell phone number and email on it and said to contact her before school in say sending my child handle with care and no questions would be asked.. my oldest son graduated in 2020 and I have never had a teacher myself or for my kids who knows that each kid has something going on at some point rather it be a death in the family or moving or whatever the case may be she just wants the best for her students in given her personal information out to make sure her students have a great day truly is incredibly. Miss Cain was honored as the CES Teacher of the Month in October 2024. She has been deducted to her job within the Caruthersville School District #18 having aproximately 15 years at the same school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Theory and Practice, both from Arkansas State University.
Stephany Cardenas
Spanish Lake Elementary
Hialeah, Florida
Alex Ferguson
she was my favorite teacher. she was nice and let us play minecraft some times she taught us math and let us play in the playground and fun partys she was the best.