The NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala                                                                                             February 10, 2012

Stand up and support public education, educators, and school by attending the NEA Foundation's next gala on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Washington, DC's best venue—the National Building Museum. The event's emcee is Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympic medalist and a four-time medalist at the World Championship of Gymnastics. Register for the 2012 Gala now.

The NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education

2012 Recipient—Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power, Inc. "Our Goal is a Simple One, to Grow Food, to Grow Minds, to Grow Communities."

The NEA Foundation Award for Philanthropy in Public Education

2012 Recipient—Ford Foundation. "Working with Visionaries on the Frontlines of Social Change Worldwide."

The festivities will also include presentation of the following awards:

The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence

The Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence

The NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence

About the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala

Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala is a national celebration of the men and women who work in America's public schools. Every year the Foundation presents approximately 40 awards to the nation's top public school educators, most notably, the $25,000 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence.

The Washington, DC event attracts more than 800 leaders from public education, business, philanthropy, and government, who gather to pay tribute to public education and its supporters. The Foundation also recognizes support of public education through its Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education and Award for Philanthropy in Public Education.