The NEA Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala will be held on Friday, April 30.  Same time, same place, and without snow.

If you registered for the February 12 gala, which we postponed due to record-breaking snowfalls in February, you do not need to register again.  However, you can access and update your record by visiting www.RegOnline.com/2010Gala.  

We look forward to seeing you then as we celebrate teaching and learning and honor many of the profession’s brightest stars.  We will also pay tribute to environmental leaders who are making a difference by showing us how to become better stewards of our planet.  

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 50 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 nearly 900 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.2010 Gala Will Honor Leaders "Working for a Better World"

The April 30, 2010 gala will be an eco-friendly extravaganza that celebrates teaching and learning and honors many of the profession’s brightest stars.  Philippe Cousteau (left), chief spokesperson for Environmental Education for Discovery Education,Co-founder & CEO of EarthEcho International, and correspondent for Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet,will host the event. We will also pay tribute to environmental leaders who are making a difference by showing us how to become better stewards of our planet.

Click here to purchase your seats for the 2010 Gala now

At the 2010 gala, the NEA Foundation will present its Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education to Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace, and world-renowned primatologist, conservationist and humanitarian. This award recognizes individuals and organizations for their lifelong commitment to advancing public education and is typically presented to those who work outside the field. Awardees have included former President Bill Clinton, Title IX advocate Billie Jean King, literacy proponent and former NFL star Tiki Barber, and Sesame Workshop.

The Foundation will present its 2010 Award for Philanthropy in Public Education to Nickelodeon.  This award is presented to corporations and other entities of stature in recognition of their significant and demonstrated financial commitment to improving public education or supporting public schools, students, and educators. The NEA Foundation presented the inaugural Award for Philanthropy in Public Education to Verizon Communications at the 2009 Gala.

Click here to view the 2010 gala invitation with details about the event

Awards for Teaching Excellence

The NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize, reward, and promote excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession. They also honor public education and the dedicated members of the NEA. All awardees are honored at The NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.

The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards with support from NEA Member Benefits, the Horace Mann Companies, the Pearson Foundation, and the Burt's Bees Greater Good Foundation.

View more information about the awards and see the 2010 awardees.

2009 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala Higlights

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.

View the highlights of the 2009 Gala.

Sponsorship

The gala is an annual opportunity to honor exemplary public school educators and those businesses and individuals who significantly support them.

Click for more information about how to help us honor these individuals through a sponsorship.