Beard Excellence in Teaching Award

The Story of Theodore and Margaret Beard Connecticut natives Theodore and Margaret Beard attended public schools through high school in Bethel and Danbury. They continued, throughout their lives, to believe in public education. In 2002, together with the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, the Beard family developed the Theodore and Margaret Beard Excellence in Teaching Award, an endowed fund that recognizes a public school teacher in Bridgeport. Since then, 18 Bridgeport teachers have been honored. As part of the merged foundation, the Fairfield County Community Foundation is pleased and honored to continue this fine tradition.

The annual award is presented by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

This year the award will honor up to two Bridgeport public school educators with a cash award of $25,000. The Beard Excellence in Teaching Award is one of the nation’s largest teaching awards.

The Theodore and Margaret Beard Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2002 by the Beard family to recognize and reward teachers who exemplify professional excellence, a commitment to teaching and an ability to inspire learning among students, communities and colleagues. Theodore and Margaret Beard, former Bridgeport residents, were dedicated to quality public education and believed the most important job in society is that of the teacher.

Teacher Eligibility Requirements 

Any  teacher currently teaching in the Bridgeport public schools  (2011 – 2012 school year) who is passionate about helping shape the next generation of local leaders can be nominated. School administrators do not qualify for this award.

Nominees should be teachers who:

• Use creative and effective instructional strategies to meet the differing needs of student
• Use effective assessment strategies to evaluate, monitor, and improve student learning
• Demonstrate reflective practice and lifelong learning to improve teaching and student learning
• Demonstrate collegiality and a commitment to share best practices
• Use effective classroom management skills
• Involve students’ families.
  
  

Nominations Due By January 17

All nominations must be received by Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

Download the nomination form.

For further information about nominating a teacher, please email Sharon Jones, or call her at 203.750.3219.