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The Big Apple Awards celebrate NYC’s exceptional public school teachers who inspire students, foster equity, and strengthen communities. These awards highlight educators who go above and beyond to transform lives and build meaningful connections in and out of the classroom.
What Makes a Big Apple Award Teacher?
The program recognizes teachers who:
- Inspire Students: Motivate them to achieve greatness and dream big.
- Model Equity: Tailor learning experiences to NYC’s diverse population while setting high expectations.
- Affirm Identities: Celebrate the unique talents and potential of every student.
- Build Partnerships: Forge meaningful collaborations with families, organizations, and local institutions to enrich school communities.
This initiative not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the collective dedication of all NYC educators.

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Big Apple Fellowship: Advancing Teacher Leadership
Each year, 15 award recipients join the prestigious Big Apple Fellowship, gaining access to:
- Leadership development opportunities.
- Professional learning communities.
- Exclusive conversations with the NYC Schools Chancellor.
This fellowship empowers awardees to contribute to shaping the future of NYC education while enhancing their professional growth.
How to Nominate an Exceptional Educator
If you know a teacher making a transformative impact, submit a nomination! Students, families, administrators, and community members can participate.
Key Dates
- Nominations Open: December 2024
- Deadline: January 21, 2025
Ways to Submit
- Complete the Nomination Form.
- Email the teacher’s name and school details to bigappleteachers@schools.nyc.gov.
- Visit the Big Apple Awards Website for additional details.
- Speak with your school office or Family Engagement Coordinator for assistance.

photo credit: Shutterstock
Honoring Award Recipients
Award winners are celebrated with surprise visits from the NYC Schools Chancellor and leadership team, often with students and colleagues present. Their achievements are further highlighted during a city-wide ceremony, showcasing their invaluable contributions to education.
What Are the Selection Criteria?
The Big Apple Awards focus on three key areas:
1. Impact on Student Learning
- Affirming cultural identities and communities.
- Building authentic, trusting relationships.
- Encouraging student agency and empowerment.
2. Instructional Practices
- Providing innovative, engaging, and rigorous teaching.
- Creating a welcoming classroom environment.
- Collaborating with peers to improve instructional methods.
3. Contributions to the School Community
- Demonstrating leadership inside and outside the classroom.
- Building strong partnerships with families and communities.
- Adapting to meet the unique needs of local communities.
Celebrate NYC’s Inspiring Teachers
The Big Apple Awards offer a chance to recognize educators who inspire and empower the next generation. Nominate a deserving teacher today and help NYC celebrate their extraordinary dedication to education.
News Distributed by NYC Newswire
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