Awards and Recognition
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A classroom with students seated at desks facing a teacher. The teacher is smiling, standing near a whiteboard with colorful notes and a large screen displaying a lesson plan. The classroom is decorated with various posters and flags.
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Great Teachers Change Lives

We Recognize, Support, and Elevate Their Impact

A woman with dark hair, glasses, and a red jacket smiling and writing in a notebook in a classroom.

Above & Beyond Teaching is a community built on connection and care, where educators are recognized, supported, and celebrated. We bring together teachers, students, families, and education leaders to learn, reflect, and honor the lasting impact great teaching has far beyond the classroom.

Learn More

  • "Even after decades of teaching, I found myself re-energized by mentoring and learning alongside younger colleagues. That is why I chose to keep going."

    — Veteran Teacher

  • "I felt like I was part of something bigger than just my cohort — a history of teachers supporting teachers and helping each other stay.

    — 2025 Early Career Educator

  • "I became more mindful and intentional in my practice, and that intentionality gave me renewed purpose to continue."

    — 2019 Honoree

What It Looks Like to Truly Support Educators

Watch how Above & Beyond Teaching brings educators together through recognition, connection, and shared purpose, strengthening schools and communities across California.

Know a teacher who changes lives?

Help us recognize their extraordinary impact.

Nominate a teacher

OUR MODEL DELIVERS

PROVEN RESULTS

95%

of Above & Beyond educators remain in the profession.

88%

report meaningful professional and personal growth.

95%

say ours is the most impactful professional development they’ve had.

84%

would recommend us to their colleagues.

Upcoming Events

Events
Teacher Leadership Academy
Jul 16
Teacher Leadership Academy

This summer, the Teacher Leadership Academy supports early-career teachers through mentorship, webinars, and an in-person conference, building confidence, strengthening retention, and improving outcomes for California students.

2026 Awards Ceremony
Nov 6
2026 Awards Ceremony

Each year, Above & Beyond Teaching honors exceptional California teachers who help students exceed expectations.

Why Supporting Educators Matters

  • Above & Beyond Teaching is a California nonprofit dedicated to recognizing and sustaining exceptional public high school educators who serve in disadvantaged urban and rural communities.

  • We honor outstanding teachers who consistently help students transcend academic expectations and prepare for college, career, and life.

  • Through meaningful awards, professional development, and a strong network of peers, we invest in teachers so they can continue transforming their classrooms and communities.

  • Great teachers change lives. By supporting educators, we strengthen entire schools and expand opportunity for thousands of students statewide.

  • Our community-based approach combines recognition, sustained professional growth, and long-term connection—ensuring educators feel seen, supported, and inspired.

  • Nominate an exceptional teacher, attend an event, or make a gift. When you support Above & Beyond Teaching, you invest directly in the future of California students.

We Recognize Educators

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We Nurture Their Growth

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We Elevate Their Impact

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We Recognize Educators 〰️ We Nurture Their Growth 〰️ We Elevate Their Impact 〰️

Quality Education for All Students
Recognizing the social and emotional needs of students
Possibilities and Potential Impact of Post-Secondary Success
Community Support for Teachers
Teaching as an Honorable and Vital Career
Innovation. Inspiration. Impact.

Support Great Teachers. Change Lives.

Help recognize, connect, and sustain the educators who shape California’s future.
Most of us remember a teacher who changed our lives. Great teachers do more than deliver lessons. They build confidence, create belonging, and help young people see what is possible.
Join us in supporting the educators who make that impact every day.

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A woman with glasses and curly hair smiling outdoors in front of a mural reading "UNITY" and depicting hands coming together.
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