The Biggest Night in Public Education
The NEA Foundation is the proud founder and host of the annual Salute to Excellence in Education. Often referred to as the “Academy Awards of Education,” this event honors outstanding educators and champions of public education from across the country.
We recognize how vital educators are for the future of our nation’s youth, the advancement of equity, the connections within our communities, and the health of our democracy. That’s why The NEA Foundation honors educators, individuals, and organizations shaping the present and future of public education.
The Salute to Excellence brings together educators, public education leaders, advocates, elected officials, and members of the business community.
For a sneak peak of all that is in store for this year’s Salute, check out our preview video below!
Register for the 2026 Salute To Excellence In Education Gala
The Anthem | 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
February 13, 2026
Our Awards
Student Voices Award
To bring greater attention to the role students can and do play in advocating for improved public education, The NEA Foundation created the Student Voices Award in 2023. This award will recognize an individual student (or group of students) or an organization that centers student voice that is providing exemplary leadership in elevating student voices in a school community or communities, building student movements to address educational concerns, or advancing efforts to powerfully advocate on behalf of students in other forums.
2026 Awardee: Active Minds
Active Minds is a national nonprofit organization centered on combating the stigma of mental illness and empowering young people to advocate for their own mental health and that of those around them.
Outstanding Service To Public Education Award
The Outstanding Service Award pays tribute to those who have significantly increased understanding of public education or have otherwise dedicated themselves to serving educators and students. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Linda Darling-Hammond, the Algebra Project, Sesame Street Workshop, President William J. Clinton, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the American Indian College Fund, and Mister (Fred) Rogers.
2026 Awardee: TBA
2025 Awardee: Kent McGuire
Equity Partner Award
The NEA Foundation believes that a well-resourced and supported public education should be every child’s civil right and that justice and equity are fostered when institutions grow in their understanding of implicit and institutional bias and how these wrongs can influence policy, educational practice, and children’s educational experiences and outcomes. The Equity Partner Award honors an individual or organization that shares these values and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to addressing equity and opportunity gaps in public education
2026 Awardee: TBA
2025 Awardee: The Black Teacher Project
Gala News & Updates
Important 2026 Gala Resources and Announcements
