What Is the Teach Star Program™?

 

 

The Teach Star Program™ is a premier educator recognition initiative inspired by celebrating individuals whose dedication, leadership, and compassion create measurable, life-changing impact in the lives of others.

 

The Teach Star Program™ is built to identify, elevate, and reward educators and school staff who are transforming lives, strengthening school culture, and shaping the future of their communities.

 

 

​The Philosophy Behind Teach Star

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At its core, the Teach Star Program™ is founded on three beliefs:

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1. Educators change lives beyond the classroom
   Teaching is not just instruction—it is mentorship, advocacy, emotional support, and leadership. Teach Star recognizes educators whose influence extends well beyond lesson plans and test scores.

2. Impact deserves recognition and investment
   Teach Star believes that meaningful impact should be publicly honored—and materially supported. Recognition includes not only praise, but financial awards that benefit educators, schools, and districts.

3. The best stories come from the community
   Teach Star nominations are story-based, submitted by students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members. The process centers real experiences, real outcomes, and real lives changed.

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 Community-Driven Nominations

 

 

Anyone can nominate an educator—students, families, peers, administrators, or community members—sharing real stories of impact rather than resumes or performance metrics alone.

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 Focus on Character and Impact

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Selections are not based solely on years of service or test results, but on:

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• Dedication

• Leadership

• Sacrifice

• Innovation

• Advocacy for students

• Positive cultural influence

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 Multiple Recognition Levels

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Teach Star includes multiple award categories, ensuring educators at different stages and roles can be honored.

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 Celebration + Visibility

 

 

Winners are highlighted publicly—through ceremonies, district announcements, websites, and media—amplifying positive narratives about education and educators.

 

 

 Teach Star Award Categories

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The Teach Star Program™ is structured to recognize excellence across experience levels and areas of influence:

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Teach Star of the Year

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Honors educators whose long-term dedication and leadership have created extraordinary, measurable impact.

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Award Value (Per Recipient):

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• $2,500 to the educator

• $1,500 to their school

• $1,000 to their district
  ($5,000 total value per award)

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Teach Star Excellence Award

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Recognizes consistent, high-level performance and commitment to students and colleagues.

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Award: $2,500

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Teach Star Community Impact Award

 

 

Honors educators who go beyond school walls to serve families, build partnerships, and strengthen communities.

 

Award: $1,000

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Teach Star Rising Leader Award

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Celebrates early-career educators who are already showing exceptional leadership and promise.

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Award: $500

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 Why Teach Star Is Different?

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Unlike traditional “teacher of the year” programs, Teach Star:

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•  Honors teachers and eligible school staff

•  Uses story-based nominations, not popularity votes

•  Rewards schools and districts, not just individuals

•  Promotes positive district culture and retention

•  Requires no financial contribution from the district

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It is not a contest—it is a celebration of impact.

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 Partnership With School Districts

 

 

The Teach Star Program™ is designed as a collaborative partnership with school districts:

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• MATMAC Financial Group administers the program and funding

• Districts support communication and recognition

• Branding and recognition are shared

• Awards align with district morale, retention, and culture initiatives

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Our philosophy: uplift the profession, the people, and the community together.

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​The Big Picture

 

 

The Teach Star Program™:

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• Shines a light on extraordinary educators

• Reinforces the dignity and impact of the profession

• Builds pride within schools and districts

• Strengthens public trust in education

• Reminds educators that their work truly matters