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:

• Revathi Balakrishnan, a talented and gifted educator at Patsy Sommer Elementary School in Austin, TX, nominated by the Texas State Teachers Association.

• Bobbie Cavnar, a 12th grade language arts educator at South Point High School in Belmont, NC, nominated by the North Carolina Association of Educators.

• Afreen Gootee, a 6th to 8th grade math and social studies educator at the Georgetown School in Mechanicsville, VA, nominated by the Virginia Education Association.

• Crystal May, a 4th grade educator at Pray-Woodman Elementary School in Maize, KS, nominated by the Kansas National Education Association.

• Tia Mills, an exceptional student services educator at Eden Park Academy of Ethics and Excellence in Baton Rouge, LA, nominated by the Louisiana Association of Educators.

“Students excited about learning, making connections to the real world... these are the intangible rewards of teaching. ”

Revathi Balakrishnan

Talented and gifted educator, Patsy Sommer Elementary School, Austin, TX
“By teaching empathy in a world of numbers and data, metal and machines, we can make schools a garden of kindness, humanity, and hope.”

Bobbie Cavnar

12th grade language arts educator, South Point High School, Belmont, NC
“By building personal relationships with love and understanding, I can shape academic successes and affect the outcomes of my students' futures.”

Afreen Gootee

Math and social studies educator, The Georgetown School, Mechanicsville, VA
“First and foremost, I want my students to believe in themselves. I want them to understand that each and every one of them is capable of great things.”

Crystal May

4th grade educator, Pray-Woodman Elementary School, Maize, KS
“I can't think of a more rewarding career than one where you have the opportunity to impact the educational experiences of our precious children.”

Dr. Tia Mills

Exceptional student services educator, Eden Park Academy of Ethics and Excellence, Baton Rouge, LA