Ms. Clark has left an indelible imprint during her four-plus years at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf in Evendale, a fact reflected in the multiple nominations she received for the Gold Star Teacher of the Year Award. Working with special needs children ages 3-7, she is revered for her creativity, patience and compassion to make children and parents alike feel supported through both challenging and celebratory moments. She was awarded the "Heart of Gold Award" for making her students feel safe and loved in her classroom.

From an early age, Ms. Derry demonstrated a passion for working with children, a calling reflected in her generous spirit inside and outside the classroom. Derry is known for her sincerity and authenticity in the way she educates - coined a true natural at her craft. She is frequently invited to special occasions by parents in recognition of the meaningful impact she’s had on their children’s lives, she brings light and positivity to everyone she encounters. Her classroom is a community built on trust, warmth and a deep sense of belonging.

With more than 20 years’ experience in education, Mrs. Duffey is a celebrated figure at St. Bernadette and a pillar of their community. Her dedication to education was on full display when she delayed dual knee surgery so that her students wouldn’t be without their teacher. Described as an extension of their family, Mrs. Duffey’s caring nature has touched scores of students and their families, creating lasting impacts over the course of many years.

Now in her 13th year in education, Mrs. Dunlop’s classroom follows her school’s framework of “be responsible, be respectful, be safe, be problem solvers” while adding in her own of “be kind.” Through her favorite books, she brings an energetic approach to teaching essential life skills such as compassion, empathy and kindness. Her commitment knows no boundaries, including -once saving a choking student by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Her deep care for others is also reflected in her classroom’s recent win in a school fundraising challenge. Through these actions and more, Mrs. Dunlop continues to change lives, inspire others, and make children feel loved, capable and supported.

Known simply as “Mr. K” to many, Mr. Koeninger has led the growth of the Scott High School band into a competition program instilling pride while inspiring an appreciation for the arts. Under his direction, the program – which had not performed as a competing marching band in nearly 20 years – now serves not only as the marching band, but also a concert group and a winter ensemble. The band has earned several awards under Mr. Koeninger’s watch, with the students finding a passion and inspiration being the most rewarding experience.

Now in her second year at St. Catharine of Siena School, Ms. McRoberts has established high expectations for her students while inspiring them to hold those same expectations for themselves. In addition to securing funding for supplies that introduced students to materials they had not previously been exposed to, she has co-hosted an arts showcase and is planning a family art night later this winter. As noted by her principal, Mr. Patrick Cosgrove, Ms. McRoberts’ daily work goes well beyond instruction—she inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and cultivates creative thinking in every student who enters her classroom.

A mother of four who has taught multiple grades throughout her career, Mrs. Mehlman is known for her unwavering dedication to her students. Her passion and perseverance are evident not only in the classroom, but in the lasting relationships she has built, as former students often stop her on the street to thank her for the impact she made on their lives. Through her example, Mrs. Mehlman continues to demonstrate that teaching is not just a profession, but a lifelong commitment to caring for, nurturing, and preparing children for the future.

Ms. Pamer’s kindergarten classroom is a place where learning feels like an adventure! During a foundational year in a student’s life, Ashley treats every day as an opportunity to shape a child’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging. Known for going beyond traditional classroom lessons, she consistently lifts up her colleagues through strong communication and a deep dedication to her craft. As noted by her colleague, Mary Franzosa, Ms. Pamer is the rare kind of educator who not only instructs and inspires, but leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of every child—and adult—who enters her classroom.

Celebrated for her patience, compassion, and emotional intelligence, Mrs. Sedacca’s dedication has made her a constant for both the children she serves and their families. She has been known to console and visit students in their most trying moments both inside and outside the classroom, including a student who was hospitalized. As shared by one parent, what makes Mrs. Sedacca truly exceptional is that her care is never reserved for just one child—she brings the same energy, patience, and heart to every student she serves.

As Ethel M. Taylor Academy’s DonorsChoose Ambassador, Dr. Webb works tirelessly to help teachers secure materials and resources her school cannot provide, in addition to the work she does as a mathematics instructor. Her work extends beyond the classroom by collaborating with local organizations and community members and creating an after-school tutoring program. She nurtures relationships, supporting students by attending their extracurricular activities and sparks their interest in learning by designing engaging, hands-on experiences for the classroom.