Welcome to Honored Schools!
Honored Schools is an initiative, from Honored, aimed at recognizing great teachers, elevating student voices, and creating a consistent culture of teacher appreciation within school communities.
Welcome to Honored Schools!
The Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award
Submissions for the 2022-2023 Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award are now closed. The recognition form for the 2023-2024 award cycle will be live when the new school year starts — please enter your email address below to be notified!
Congratulations to our 2022-23 winners!
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Indianapolis
Lisec Coronado
Willow Lake Elementary School | Indianapolis, Indiana
“I could tell from the first time we met Ms. Coronado that it was going to be a great school year for my son. As we walked through the classroom door, she LIT UP when she saw him. She got down on his level and greeted him in the most genuine, engaging way. Since then I have had the pleasure of watching my child thrive in this learning environment. He feels safe and heard and as a result, he is learning so much! We are grateful for how Ms. Coronado connects with each and every student in her class. Her energy and passion is contagious!”
-Willow Lake Elementary School Student in Recognition of Lisec Coronado
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Indianapolis
Derek King
Westlane Middle School | Indianapolis, Indiana
“I am nominating Mr. King because he is the most awesome teacher ever. He teaches us a lot of things but always makes it super fun. He’ll do anything for his students to make them happy but he also helps us learn valuable things. He’s super funny, kind, and overall amazing! Even with a super full classroom and a lot of students, he can always manage for the students to have an amazing time. I haven’t talked to a student who doesn’t like him. I’m excited every time I get to go to his class, even if I’m just saying hello to him because I know that whenever I go it will put a smile on my face. He always respects everyone and their differences outside and inside of the classroom. Mr. King is the best teacher I’ve ever had and I’m so lucky to have been taught by him.”
-Westlane Middle School Student in Recognition of Derek King
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Indianapolis
Matthew Riley
North Central High School | Indianapolis, Indiana
“School can be tiring. The endless assignments, tests, and projects. The nights with minimal to no sleep. It makes getting up the next day to repeat that seemingly endless cycle a miserable experience; a chore. But the fact is that success requires hard-work, but prerequisites motivation. There are the highlights of each day that make it worth it. For me, going to math class is one of those highlights. Mr. Riley is a dedicated teacher and coach who prioritizes the education and well-being of his students. I have math as one of my last periods in the day, and I feel renewed energy as the atmosphere in the classroom is engaging, education, fun, safe, productive, and positive.”
-North Central High School Student in Recognition of Matthew Riley
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Inglewood
Veronica Deutsch
Payne STEAM Academy | Inglewood, California
“Ms. Deutsch is amazing because she has a unique way of teaching and it is cool! Ms. Deutsch makes me wanna make me get to class because she has an amazing attitude and she is always smiling. Ms. Deutsch shows she cares about me by asking me how I feel. Ms. Detsch makes me feel confident by helping me with my questions. Ms. Deutsch supports me outside the classroom by supporting my choices.”
-Payne STEAM Academy Student in Recognition of Veronica Deutsch
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Inglewood
Crystal Birch
Woodworth-Monroe Academy | Inglewood, California
“Miss Birch is my motivation to go to school everyday. She’s the type of teacher to check in on you after you’ve been absent for a while and make sure things are okay. She’s helped me in so many ways, when I’m feeling unmotivated to do my work she’s the first teacher I’ll go to. There are many things that I like about her, but one thing that separates her from other people is that she’s a great listener. I usually go to her class at the end of the school day and I would talk to her about how my week has gone or the drama that’s been happening. She’s very open minded and that’s one thing I love about her. When I grow up I want to be a teacher just like her.”
-Woodworth-Monroe Academy in Recognition of Crystal Birch
Announcing the Winners of the 2023
Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Inglewood
Alyssa Bolden
City Honors International Preparatory High School | Inglewood, California
“This teacher is the most awesome teacher that I’ve ever knew! she been a best friend to all her students! she makes the class interesting and she makes sure to include everyone to the discussion. She always gives us support on whatever we do. we are so grateful for her I’m grateful and thankful that I have her as my English teacher for my 3 years in high school!”
-City Honors International Preparatory High School Student in Recognition of Alyssa Bolden
Announcing the Winner of the 2023 Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
New Haven
Magda Colon
East Rock Community and Cultural Studies Magnet School | New Haven, Connecticut
“This teacher is always there for me and she’s fun and understanding. She shows us fun videos and has us answer questions for games. She makes learning fun. Ms. Colon, lets me know she cares by being there for me and always encouraging me – MS. Colon makes me a better and more confident student by giving me inspiring words and by showing me I’m smart and capable. She supported me by talking to me about things when needed.”
-East Rock Community and Cultural Studies Magnet School Student in Recognition of Magda Colon
Announcing the Winner of the 2023 Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award in
Washington, DC
Rachel Hawkins
Brightwood Education Campus | Washington, DC
“Ms. Hawkins really made a difference in my life. She is so kind and lovely. I think she has a very very big heart. She is super caring. She really supports me. So a big shoutout and thank you!”
-Brightwood Education Campus Student in Recognition of Rachel Hawkins
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisible
How does my school become an Honored School?
Who may be recognized?
Classroom teachers of any subject, full-time or part-time, currently teaching at your school may be recognized and are eligible for the Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award. Other school staff members may also be recognized, but they are not eligible for the award.
Who may recognize a teacher?
Current or former students, and parents or other family members on behalf of students (particularly the younger ones who may need a hand completing the nomination form!)
How do you decide who is awarded the Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award?
Will my teacher know about the recognition?
Yes! Your teacher will receive an email with your story and will know what an impact they’ve had on you. Your school will celebrate all recognized teachers in a variety of ways. Your nominations will also be published on honoredschools.org so that other people can read about all of the inspiring teachers at your school. Who knows, your teacher may become internet famous!
