Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence

We are proud to recognize these five educators for their diligence and dedication to students, colleagues, community, and profession. The awardees are:

Matthew Bacon-Brenes, a dual language immersion mentor teacher in Portland Public Schools in Portland, OR, nominated by the Oregon Education Association.

Leah Juelke, a 9th to 12th grade language arts educator for English learner (EL) students at Fargo South High School in Fargo, ND, nominated by North Dakota United.

Dan Ryder, a 9th to 12th grade language arts educator at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, ME, nominated by the Maine Education Association.

Cynthia Tong, an 8th grade social studies educator at Ewa Makai Middle School in Ewa Beach, HI, nominated by the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

Cicely Woodard, an 8th grade mathematics educator at Freedom Middle School in Franklin, TN, nominated by the Tennessee Education Association.

“The most critical component of education is the teacher. Students thrive when teachers are empowered with thoughtful and consistent training.”

Matthew Bacon-Brenes

Dual language immersion mentor teacher, Portland Public Schools, Portland, OR
“To be an excellent educator, the most important thing is to create relationships with students that foster communication and cultural understanding.”

Leah Juelke

9th to 12th grade language arts educator for English learner students, Fargo South High School, Fargo, ND
“Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world. You see the best in humanity and the future..."”

Dan Ryder

9th to 12th grade language arts educator, Mt. Blue High School, Farmington, ME
“A great educator teaches everyone, every day, in small ways.”

Cynthia Tong

8th grade social studies educator, Ewa Makai Middle School, Ewa Beach, HI
“The impact that we make on the lives of students and that they make on us is powerful, life-changing, and enduring.”

Cicely Woodard

8th grade mathematics educator, Freedom Middle School, Franklin, TN