Latest news with #America'sFavoriteTeacher
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
UWF Day of Giving attracts record number of donors
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — The University of West Florida surpassed their fundraising goals for the seventh annual Day of Giving, according to a UWF press release. Pensacola kindergarten teacher named semifinalist in America's Favorite Teacher contest 1,256 alumni, students, and many others donated over $194,000, surpassing the original campaign goal of $175,000, has learned. The yearly 24-hour online fundraiser happened during UWF's Founders Week on April 17, and this year's Day of Giving marked more than one million dollars raised during the event over the last seven years, according to the release. 'The outpouring of generosity from UWF supporters on Day of Giving was inspiring,' said Vice President for University Advancement Howard Reddy. 'The resounding success of this day is a direct reflection on the deep and unwavering commitment of our alumni, friends and community partners, whose contributions are a cornerstone of the University's strength and ongoing success.' This year, the event's fundraising goals were $175,000 and an individual gift goal of 1,200, linking back to the University's broader Here for Good campaign, which seeks to exceed the goal of $90 million. These goals were met with the help of matching gifts from President Emeritus Judy Bense, alumna Pam Schwartz, the Florida Engineering Society, and Levin Papantonio Law Firm. Challenging gifts were also given by President Emeritus Morris Marx, Alana Gahm, Brett Berg, Jeff Walker, and Jim and Melba Morrow. According to the release, participants were asked to make gifts to one of the 13 featured fund areas, and athletics raised the most money with $39,000. The Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering received the most donations out of UWF's four colleges, raising more than $26,000. Participants had the option to receive an exclusive UWF Day of Giving merchandise depending on the gift amount donated. Options included a UWF Day of Giving bandana, an exclusive pair of UWF socks, a special UWF hat, or all three items. Pensacola motorcyclist seriously injured in head-on collision: FHP For more information, visit the UWF's Day of Giving website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Central Iowa teacher among 8 semifinalists for America's Favorite Teacher contest
A central Iowa high school teacher is one step closer to becoming America's next favorite teacher. Matt Heston, a math teacher at Knoxville High School, has advanced to the semifinals for the "America's Favorite Teacher" contest, a national competition where teachers across the country compete for the title, a grand prize and a feature in Reader's Digest. Heston, a teacher at Knoxville for more than two decades, advanced to the semis on April 18. He's currently in fifth place out of eight other finalists. The public has until 9 p.m. April 24 to vote for one of the semifinalists, with the winner moving on to the finals. The grand prize winner will be announced on May 31. Matt Heston of Knoxville High School is onto the next round of Reader's Digest America's Favorite Teacher contest! With this next round of voting starting today, Mr. Heston and some of Knoxville Community School District's own students wanted to give you some entertainment as you click the link below and vote once per day as we get closer to the Top 10! Posted by GoKnoxvilleTV on Friday, March 14, 2025 Besides the feature in Reader's Digest, one teacher chosen as America's Favorite Teacher will receive a $25,000 cash prize, a trip to Hawaii and an opportunity to speak at a school assembly with popular science educator Bill Nye. To vote for Heston, visit his page at the America's Favorite Teacher website. Blake Hammond, a science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines, placed third in the quarter-finals of the competition. More: Small and rural Iowa schools see 4-day weeks as a way to compete. But does it help kids? Hammond was among nine finalists for the Iowa Department of Education's 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year award. Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@ or follow him on X @CooperAWorth. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: A Knoxville teacher is a semifinalist for America's Favorite Teacher
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rochester teacher in quarter finals for ‘America's Favorite Teacher'
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A teacher from the School of the Arts is in the quarter-finals for the 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest. Rob Arrendell, a science teacher for SOTA, became a quarter-finalist for the national competition. According to the bio on the contest's website, he wrote, 'Teaching allows me to use a subject area to positively affect lives. A mission for helping youth mature and grow in their gifts and dreams.' If he wins, famed scientist Bill Nye will hold an assembly at the school. Arrendell would also win $25,000, be featured in Reader's Digest, and get a trip to Hawaii. The Rochester City School District community can vote for Arrendell to win by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scholastic Spotlight: America's Favorite Teacher
A Knoxville High School math teacher is in the top 10 for national recognition! Mr. Matt. Heston is a finalist in Readers' Digest's America's Favorite Teacher competition. You can vote for him by clicking here and follow along on his update with GoKnoxvilleTV here. Check out this week's Scholastic Spotlight! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local special ed teacher competes for America's Favorite Teacher Award, vote here
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Ashley Sikora, a dedicated special education teacher, is in the running for the America's Favorite Teacher award, an honor that could bring her a $25,000 prize, a feature in Reader's Digest, a trip to Hawaii, and a special school assembly with Bill Nye. For Sikora, teaching isn't just a job… It's a calling. She works with special needs high school students, a role that presents unique challenges but also extraordinary rewards. 'Some days are trying,' Sikora admits. 'But when these kids accomplish a goal, it's a wow moment.' Sikora's passion for teaching stems from her desire to change lives. 'I became a teacher so I could help make a difference in someone's life. I wake up every day hoping that I will make a difference in one of my students' lives, their parents' lives, or even just a kid walking down the hall,' she shares. She emphasizes the importance of connection, always striving to be a source of positivity for her students. 'I try my best to have a smile on my face no matter what, because those kids come to school to see me, to make their day better in some way. Even if it's just to ask them if they're doing okay today.' Among her most memorable teaching experiences, Sikora recalls working with a nonverbal student who required assistance with mobility and eating. His parents had previously faced difficulties with educators and were hesitant to trust another teacher. But Sikora was determined to change that. 'Honestly, we did not get off on the best foot,' she admits. 'But I worked very hard to gain their trust and to understand their son's needs…and theirs.' Her dedication paid off. 'At his most recent ARD meeting, his mother was in tears. She told me, 'We have never had such an amazing teacher who has put so much effort into our son. He has grown so much…we didn't even think it was possible.'' For Sikora, that moment was priceless. If she wins the America's Favorite Teacher award, Sikora plans to use the $25,000 to support both her family and her classroom. 'I would help my family get back on our feet after some tough times this past year. I would also set some aside for a nice vacation with my husband… he has been my rock through the last six years of teaching and deserves some recognition for that.' You can vote for Ashley Sikora by clicking this link: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
