Honor a Teacher

John F. Kennedy Center – Stephen Sondheim Awards

Stephen Sondheim

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is accepting nominations for the 2019 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards. This series of annual $10,000 grants recognizes inspiring teachers across the United States. The awards were created in honor of Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday and were initiated and funded through the support of Freddie and Myrna Gershon. Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim frequently attributes his success to the teachers in his life. The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards are presented each year on Sondheim’s birthday – March 22 – to a handful of teachers, kindergarten through college, who are nominated via the Kennedy Center website. Deadline: Monday, December 31, 2018

By spotlighting the extraordinary impact teachers have on the lives of their students, the awards celebrate the teaching profession, the important role of teachers in society, and seek to inspire others to pursue this noble profession. Along with the $10,000 Award, the selected teachers are showcased on the Kennedy Center website.

Nominees must be legal residents of the United States who currently teach or have taught in a K-12 school, college, or university in the United States. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas are eligible. For posthumous awards, the $10,000 shall be donated in the name of the nominated teacher, to an eligible non-profit educational organization. Such organization must be affiliated with a K-12 school, school system, college or university in the United States.  To nominate a teacher, you must be at least 18 years of age and must have been the Nominee’s student. Nominations can be a written, audio, or video story. All required materials must be submitted online or postmarked by Monday, December 31, 2018. For more information, official rules, and nomination information, visit the website. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who inspired you. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out Kaitlyn Burke, at kburke@kennedy-center.org.