(New Orleans – September 23, 2020) – Twelve exceptional teachers in the NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) family were honored, during tonight’s virtual 2020 New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award (NOETA) ceremony. Each educator received a $2,500 or $1,000 prize, thanks to generous $10,000 grants from both the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFP Foundation).

“Congratulations to all NOETA finalists and grand winners,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “These amazing teachers value their profession and dedicate their lives to educating students. This is our way of honoring them and thanking them.”

The NOETA finalists represent the top educators based on the following criteria: student achievement, strong student relationships, constant learning, and impact on community. School leaders, teachers, coaches, and other academic or cultural leaders at any New Orleans area public school/network were eligible to nominate exceptional teachers for this citywide award.

Dr. Lewis, Jr., along with Orleans Public School Board (OPSB) President Ethan Ashley and Board Member Leslie Ellison, recognized the 2020 NOETA finalists during the online ceremony.

“Throughout the pandemic, our teachers stepped up to ensure that our students, including my own kids, are able to learn virtually,” said Mr. Ashley. “I’m extremely proud of and grateful to our hardworking educators and excited to celebrate their excellence!”

Allstate Sugar Bowl President Ralph Capitelli, whose organization has been a proud sponsor of the New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award for the past two years, also joined the celebration and provided the opening remarks.

“On behalf of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, I want to thank New Orleans Public Schools for the honor of participating in another NOETA event. Through our partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, we’ve had the tremendous privilege of assisting teachers in the region as they carry out their vital mission,” said Mr. Capitelli. “A cornerstone of that assistance has been our ongoing effort to recognize excellence in education. That’s why the Sugar Bowl Committee is pleased to commend the 12 teachers honored Wednesday evening for their influential and inspiring work with the children of our city.”

NOLA PS is grateful the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the CFP Foundation continue to partner and invest in this recognition program that supports great teachers. As part of the organizations’ impact and engagement strategy when the championship game comes to New Orleans, they create local partnerships to help sustain lasting teacher programs that fit their mission. The NOETA Awards is one of those initiatives.

“We’re honored to be a part of this fantastic annual tradition in New Orleans, celebrating exceptional teachers who have gone the extra yard for their students,” said CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky. “Retention and recruitment remains a primary focus, and that starts with making sure teachers have the resources they need and are supported by everyone involved. Thank you to our great partners at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and NOLA Public Schools for their dedication to the teaching profession.”
Together, the Sugar Bowl and CFP Foundation funded a total of $20K in grants for the following 2020 NOETA honorees:

Grand Winners:
• Jennifer Boyce, Opportunities Academy
• Alexandra Mossing, Edward Hynes Charter School – Lakeview
• Eric Schroeder, Morris Jeff Community School
• Tara Thomas-Antoine, Martin Behrman Charter School
• Marla Williams, Martin Behrman Charter School

Finalists:
• Robert Bassler, Abramson Sci Academy
• Talisha Bryan, Eleanor McMain High School
• Jennifer Comeaux, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
• Henry Dreyfus, Benjamin Franklin High School
• Joseph Krafcynski, Rooted School
• Taaqua Lacy-Williams, Dwight Eisenhower Elementary School
• Blake Thompson, Livingston Collegiate Academy

The NOETA Award was created in 2015 by New Schools for New Orleans. In the fall of 2018, OPSB took over the planning and execution of the program to help honor more outstanding public school teachers throughout all of our public schools in New Orleans.

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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district’s administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.