Courtesy of FLAG Awards
Nominations are open until November 24, with winners receiving $25,000 and their schools awarded funds to support arts programs, culminating in a ceremony in June 2025.
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence is once again inviting the public to celebrate outstanding educators as nominations for its sixth annual awards program are now open. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional public school teachers across New York City who inspire learning through creativity, dedication, and innovation. This year, the program has expanded to include teachers from 3-K through 12th grade, broadening its scope to honor educators at every stage of their students’ academic journey.
Nominations are open until November 24 and can be submitted by students, parents, school faculty, and other community members through the FLAG Award website. The awards will culminate in a ceremony in June 2025, where six grand-prize winners—one from each of New York City’s five boroughs and one from the 3-K through 5th grade category—will be honored with $25,000 in cash. In addition, each winning teacher’s school will receive $10,000 to support arts-based programs inspired by the winners’ initiatives. Finalists will also be recognized with $10,000 each, and their schools will receive $5,000.
This year’s FLAG Award cycle promises to build on the program’s impressive legacy. Since its inception, the FLAG Award has honored 157 teachers and distributed over $1.5 million in prizes, making it the largest teacher recognition award in the city. The awards aim to spotlight educators who not only excel in their classrooms but also positively impact their school communities and inspire students to become engaged and thoughtful citizens.
Last year’s awards showcased remarkable talent and dedication among Queens’ educators. Aaron Lober, a STEM teacher at Halsey Middle School 157, received the grand prize for his innovative approach to STEM education. Initially trained in special education, Lober pursued additional qualifications in computer science to establish a comprehensive STEM curriculum at his school. His efforts included developing curricula in collaboration with Exploring Equity in Computer Science and implementing engaging projects that integrate coding with critical reflection on historical narratives. Lober’s work has significantly enriched the educational experience for his students, fostering skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Alicia Marcinkowski, an ENL/Art teacher at PS 120, was awarded the grand prize in the new category for Pre-K through 5th grade educators. Marcinkowski’s unique integration of art history into English Language Learner (ELL) education during the pandemic transformed her classroom environment. By incorporating art history into her lessons, she created a dynamic and culturally enriching learning experience that resonated with her students. Her innovative approach has since been formalized into the school’s curriculum, reflecting her dedication to enhancing students’ educational experiences through creativity and cultural engagement.
Nominations for the FLAG Award are now open and will close on November 24, 2024. The process is designed to be inclusive, allowing nominations from various members of the school community. Full-time teachers in NYC public schools, grades 3-K through 12 with a minimum of five years of teaching experience, are eligible for consideration. Nominees will be asked to demonstrate how they meet the FLAG Award’s CREATE criteria, which includes challenges and inspires students, reaches out beyond the classroom, embraces their role with dedication, acknowledges the full potential in each student, teaches through example, and engages in continuous self-improvement.
The selection of winners is conducted by an independent jury, which this year includes Emilie Jones, a 2024 FLAG Award winner; Kate Levin, head of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program; Seth Pinsky, CEO of 92nd Street Y; Heidi Holder, Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the State University of New York. This esteemed panel is tasked with evaluating nominees based on their impact on students and their contributions to education.
As the FLAG Award continues to celebrate and support the outstanding work of NYC public school teachers, it underscores the vital role educators play in shaping the future of their students and communities.
Glenn Fuhrman, Co-Founder of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, emphasizes the significance of recognizing teachers who go above and beyond in their roles.
“This award recognizes the transformative impact that public school teachers make in the lives of their students,” Fuhrman said. “New York City’s educators are unsung heroes who so often go above and beyond to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character they need to live fulfilling lives and make our world a better place.”
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence remains committed to highlighting and supporting the exceptional educators who make a difference every day. For more information on the nomination process and to submit nominations, visit FLAG Award Nominate Your Teacher at flagaward.org.
Courtesy Aaron Lober
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence is now accepting nominations for its sixth annual awards, celebrating exceptional NYC public school teachers from 3-K through 12th grade.
