Citadel, which boasts a long history of honoring educators, has kicked off its 19th annual Citadel Heart of Learning Award program and is officially accepting nominations from now through Dec. 31.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was created in 2001 by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Any person who teaches at a public or private school in Chester County is eligible to win. Every year, Citadel receives thousands of heartfelt nominations from students, parents, and community members for teachers who are making a true difference in their students’ lives.

Last year, more than 2,300 teachers were nominated. To date, more than $216,000 has been given to local educators, and more than 270 teachers have been honored with the award.

Citadel has also announced that Dr. George Fiore, the new Executive Director of the CCIU, will serve as co-chair, along with Michael Schnably, Citadel’s Senior Vice President.

“In so many ways, teachers are unsung superheroes, and Citadel is proud to give them the honor they deserve,” said Schnably. “We are thrilled to have the Chester County Intermediate Unit as our partner to celebrate the top educators in our community.”

Each year, 15 finalists are selected from the nominations; one finalist from each of the 13 public school districts in Chester County, one from the CCIU, and one from a Chester County non-public school, which includes charter and home schools. All finalists receive $500 to use in their classroom and are honored at the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards banquet in early May. Three winners are selected from the 15 finalists — one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school teacher — and each receives an additional $1,500 to use in their classroom.

In addition to the teaching excellence award, the top three schools that submit the most nominations receive the “Schools with Heart” award from Citadel. Schools with Heart awards three cash prizes – first place, $1500; second place, $750; and third place, $500 – for the schools to support assemblies or events.

Click here for more information, nomination rules, and to submit teacher nominations.

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