Teacher Recognition

Educating for Tomorrow

Do you know a teacher who has made a significant impact on the lives of their students? If so, we want to recognize them! Here’s how you can help us give Georgia’s teachers the recognition they deserve.

Request an
Extra Yard Game Ball Kit

Honor a PreK-12 educator on your campus who has gone above and beyond through the Extra Yard Game Ball Recognition Program. Request a game ball recognition kit to present to a special teacher this fall. Kits for the 2024 school year will be available in July. For more information, click here.

Nominate
a Teacher

Principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, district leadership, teachers, parents and students can complete the brief form on this page to nominate a teacher deserving of being recognized for finding unique and innovative ways to engage and inspire students. Winning teachers will receive a $1,000 DonorsChoose gift card along with a Georgia Teachers Initiative “SWAG” kit shipped directly to their school.

The College Football Playoff Foundation team will review nominations and announce awards weekly. Winners will be contacted by 4 PM EST each Friday.

Please reach out to info@cfp-foundation.org with any questions or concerns.

Contact Name(Required)

First Last

Contact Email(Required)

Contact Role(Required)

School Principal

School Assistant Principal

School Instructional Coach

District Leadership

Parent/Student

Teacher

Contact School (if applicable)

Contact School District

What is the name of the teacher you are nominating?(Required)

What is the nominee’s email address?(Required)

What is the nominee’s phone number?(Required)

What school does the nominee teach at?(Required)

What district does the nominee teach at?(Required)

What grade level and subject areas does the nominee teach?(Required)

How long has the nominee been in the classroom?(Required)

In 200 words or less, please provide a brief description of how the teacher you are nominating exemplifies innovation in the classroom?(Required)

Here is GFPE’s definition of innovation.

In 200 words or less, please describe how the teacher you are nominating has made measurable impacts on their students’ lives.(Required)

Teacher Spotlights

"I plan to use the Teacher Grants for Innovation funds to purchase a VR headset for my classroom so my students can create 3-dimensional art in virtual reality and have the opportunity to integrate technical advancements with timeless concepts of beauty and creativity."

Matthew LathropK-5 Visual Arts Teacher

“The funding from the GTI Award will purchase KIBO, a robotic system that allows young elementary students to combine reading comprehension and robotics as they learn to code the robot to summarize the story they read.”

Elizabeth ProctorK-2 STEM Teacher

“My GTI-funded project fosters leadership and problem-solving skills in high school students as they work to develop a hands-on STEM program for 4th and 5th-grade students in an economically disadvantaged housing complex.”

Leon GrantHigh School Pre-Engineering/STEM Teacher

“Applying for GTI grant funds was simple and with the funding I will be able to take my forensics unit to the next level. Students will now be able to use blood typing kids, fingerprint analysis, and more as they work to solve the crime during our crime science lab.”

Kylie GarrardMiddle School STEM Teacher

"Mrs. Parham fosters an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish, constantly seeking new ways to engage her students. Her dedication to innovation not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares her students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world."

Ashley ParhamJasper County Primary School, 1st grade teacher

"Ms. Shipman uses different strategies to help students solve problems. She is highly passionate and gets her students excited about learning. Her method of teaching is a phenomenon.

Greta Shipman5th Grade Teacher, Factory Shoals Elementary

"Mrs. Brown is constantly incorporating cutting-edge technology into her classroom. She fearlessly embraces new technology and passes it onto her students, and her love and dedication to her students and towards her profession are without limit."

Gail Brown6th Grade Teacher, East Cobb Middle School

“Mrs. Hong constantly explores new topics through research and data and teaches critical thinking skills when analyzing a challenge. Through innovation and creativity, she reaches and teaches all kids. She connects well with children of different personalities and learning abilities and guides them on the right path of education.”

Virginia HongFourth Grade Teacher, Murdock Elementary School

“Ms. Rivera-Suarez is always looking for innovative ways to make science come alive for her students. In 2024, more students participated in the science fair than ever before – a completely voluntary activity. Their participation was attributed to Ms. Rivera-Suarez, who motivated them to make their most innovative science ideas come to life.”

Yolanda Rivera-SuarezEighth Grade Science Teacher, Creekland Middle School

“Mrs. Corbin exemplifies innovation in the classroom by encouraging engagement through Project-Based Learning. She offers students unique learning experiences and makes learning accessible for all her students.”

Staci Corbin5th grade ELA & Social Studies Teacher, Trion Elementary School

“I have Dr. Jones to thank for my love of science. I will always attribute my success in the science field to her. Not only did she facilitate my interest, but she engaged in it with me. Dr. Jones truly deserves this recognition because, without her, I would not be pursuing entry into Howard University's BS-MD Program!”

Tiffany JonesHigh School Science Teacher, South Cobb High School

"Ms. McDowell advocates for all learners to be actively involved in their education. Her dedication is unmatched, and she strives to bring real-life issues into the classroom to engage students in the practical side of science education. Ms. McDowell is a change agent to the core and a great role model for new and veteran teachers.”

Crystal McDowellHigh School Science Teacher, Greenbrier High School

Mrs. Spillman has been teaching music for 23 years and is constantly looking for ways to inspire and bring the musical arts to life. She understands the importance of the impact arts can have on a child's life and is a treasure to our school.

Terra SpillmanMusic Teacher, Providence Elementary School

Ms. Patterson is a natural innovator and provides creative instruction to her students. She makes learning fun and inviting for all her students by providing alternative seating and instruction in her beautiful classroom.

Meredith PattersonKindergarten Teacher, Woodstation Elementary School

Educating for Tomorrow