Give Thanks: Nominate a Teacher for the $25K Fishman Prize

FishmanPrize-Shareable-1a_305_305_s_c1I know the impact that great teachers can have on the lives of children every day. Their patience and resolve that all students are capable of learning and experiencing academic success were instrumental to my own son’s achievement.

There is no greater compliment than one from a parent who believes that were it not for great teachers, their child would never realize his or her full potential. That’s why I believe we must thank our nation’s best and brightest teachers—particularly those working in high-need communities.

The most rewarding endorsement a parent can give is a nomination for the Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice, a $25,000 award—sponsored by TNTP—given annually to four teachers in high-need schools. As a 2012 winner, I know the power of this recognition. For the first time, I was given a platform to use my voice to advocate for the teaching profession and for the well-being of the students I serve.

Through a special summer residency for winners of the Fishman Prize, I met with policy makers at the U.S. Department of Education, worked side-by-side with some of the nation’s top educators and published a paper on my teaching strategies. I have even dined with President Barack Obama as we discussed ways to promote educational equity in high-need schools. Ultimately, I have brought these experiences back to the classroom, where I still work today.

All great teachers deserve this type of platform and recognition. Let’s show them how much we appreciate the hard work they do every single day. Take a moment today to thank a teacher with a nomination for TNTP’s Fishman Prize.

Nominate a great teacher today!


Leslie Ross, a 2012 Fishman Prize winner and NPTA member, shares why you should nominate great teachers today. TNTP’s Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice celebrates phenomenal teachers in high-need communities with a $25,000 prize and a unique residency experience.