The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence opened nominations for its 6th annual awards, recognizing outstanding New York City public school teachers.
For the first time, the program is expanding to include educators teaching 3-K students through 12. Nominees must have at least five years of experience to be eligible, according to a press release.
Students, parents, principals or colleagues can nominate teachers from all five boroughs who demonstrate passion, creativity and dedication in the classroom. Applications are due by Nov. 24.
Six grand-prize winners will be selected—one from each borough, plus one 3-K through 5th grade educator from any borough. Each winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize, and their respective schools will be awarded $10,000 to support arts-based programs created by the winners. Finalists will also be recognized with a $10,000 prize, and their schools will receive $5,000.
Winners will be announced in June 2025.
“This award recognizes the transformative impact that public school teachers make in the lives of their students,” said Glenn Fuhrman, co-founder of The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence. "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.”
Since its inception, the FLAG Award has honored 157 teachers across New York City and awarded over $1.5 million in prizes, making it the largest teacher recognition program in the city.
Winners are chosen by an independent jury, which this year includes notable figures such as Emilie Jones, a 2024 FLAG Award recipient; Kate Levin of Bloomberg Philanthropies; Seth Pinsky, CEO of the 92nd Street Y; Heidi Holder of The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Dr. Betty A. Rosa, New York State’s Commissioner of Education.
Applications can be found here.
