The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation supports and rewards exceptional public and parochial school teachers in our region as part of the Pioneer Valley Awards for Excellence in Education.
Award Details
To celebrate the successes of area teachers, and to encourage them to remain in the teaching field, the award provides:
- A cash award of $500.
- An engraved plaque.
- A 3-month YMCA membership.
- An invitation to a celebration event at the Log Cabin.
- Invitation from WGBY to take an online course.
- $100 scholarships given by Western New England University, Springfield College, and Westfield State University to take a graduate course.LI>
Nomination Criteria
Nominees must be certified by the State of Massachusetts and must demonstrate professionalism through:
- Excellence in teaching practices.
- His/her own professional development.
- Good attendance on the job.
- Enthusiasm for teaching and/or working with children.
Selection Process
Each school community decides on the selection process, one that is fair and equitable. Two teachers can be selected; one is selected for every 1,000 students, and another first-year teacher (one has not yet achieved state certification) is also selected.