Eleven Educators Across the United States Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award

 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 16, 2020 — Every year, National Heritage Academies (NHA) recognizes outstanding educators from schools across the United States by awarding winners with an Excellence in Teaching Award. This year’s celebrations were held virtually for all NHA employees to view and participate in.
 
It takes a big heart to help shape little minds, and the love that NHA educators have for children and teaching is a gift. They lead with passion and dedication to ensure students are getting what they need, both academically and emotionally.
 
Educators from across the organization are selected for recognition in 11 categories, including kindergarten through eighth grade, specials, specialists, and paraprofessionals. The winners were chosen based on personal evaluations, parent satisfaction, and academic scores, to name a few.
 
The 2018-19 Excellence in Teaching winners are:

• Lindsay Andrade, second-grade teacher at Achieve Charter Academy.
• Oris Bennett, paraprofessional at Apex Academy.
• Ashley Pratt, third-grade teacher at Aspire Charter Academy.
• Samantha Hill, fifth-grade teacher at Chandler Woods Charter Academy.
• Nicole George, first-grade teacher at Detroit Merit Charter Academy.
• Liz Mooneyhan, fourth-grade teacher at Hamtramck Academy.
• Brittany Shepard, kindergarten teacher at Inspire Charter Academy.
• Brittany Brigman, math specialist at Matthews Charter Academy.
• Holly Hamilton, eighth-grade math teacher at Quest Charter Academy.
• Christina Napolitano, sixth- through eighth-grade math teacher at Riverton Street Charter School.
• Amanda Glowacki, kindergarten through sixth-grade physical education teacher at Winterville Charter Academy.

 
“Our Excellence in Teaching awards recognize and shine a light on the everyday heroes who are making a difference in children’s lives,” NHA CEO Brian Britton said. “I love hearing the stories of passion, creativity, and care that our educators bring to their work. NHA educators work tirelessly to provide a rigorous education, guide children’s moral compass, and dedicate their lives to doing the right thing for students, always. These award winners are so deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to recognize their efforts.”
 
This year, 144 employees were recognized as finalists, 11 of which were named winners. The winners received a bonus of $3,500, plus a John R. Green gift card, a plaque, Yeti mug, and banner for their classroom.
   
About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage Academies is a network of 89 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through eighth-grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.