2009 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala

2009 NEA Foundation Gala Highlights Duration: 4:17

The NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala was held on February 6, 2009 at Washington, DC's premiere event venue, the National Building Museum. In addition to recognizing the nation's top educators, the event celebrated the Foundation's 40th anniversary.

Over the course of the evening, the Foundation recognized the outstanding contributions of the nation's top educators and supporters.

The NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence

lllinois' Effingham High School teacher Joseph Fatheree received the 2009 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. Fatheree and the four other Awards for Teaching Excellence finalists were honored with a video created by his or her students with training and technical support from the Pearson Foundation. The two foundations have formed a partnership to strengthen public education by incorporating 21st century learning skills into teaching and learning.

Click here to see the student videos that were premiered at the gala.

The NEA Foundation Award for Philanthropy in Public Education

Board Chair Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado presented The NEA Foundation Award for Philanthropy in Public Education to Verizon Communications Inc. for its long-standing commitment to education. Ivan G. Seidenberg, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon, accepted the inaugural award on the company's behalf.

The NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education

The NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education was presented to Sesame Workshop. In a happy coincidence, Sesame Workshop also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Besides sharing an anniversary, our organizations share a mutual belief in making positive differences in the lives of children.

Bob McGrath, an original host of Sesame Street, served as the gala's celebrity host.