Introducing the 2020 Educator of the Year Honor Roll!
Being a teacher isn’t easy – especially now during COVID-19, as so many educators rapidly adapt their lesson plans to virtual learning and support their online classrooms from home. But in the face of these new challenges, educators are stepping up more than ever – working overtime to connect with their students, create successful virtual learning environments and let LGBTQ students know they have their backs.
May 4 through 8 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and to mark the week, GLSEN is focused on sending well-deserved praise and love to the educators who are making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ students. Every year, we select a recipient for the Educator of the Year award, and this year is no different. We'll be announcing the Educator of the Year next week. And every day leading up to it, we'll celebrate a member of the Educator of the Year Honor Roll, featuring educators who have worked to create positive school climates for LGBTQ youth.
Below, meet our Finalists for Educator of the Year 2020! These great educators are now part of our National Educator Advisory Committee (EAC):
Jessica AlanisShe/Her, They/Them • San Antonio, TX
Quote from Nominating Student: Appreciation Quote from student: Ms. Alanis has committed herself to making everyone feel safe and included at our school with her inclusive style of teaching. She also sponsors an upper school GSA (the first at our campus) and brings so much life and energy to these meetings. I am honored to be her student and get to also see her activism in our GSA as the club's president. |
Amanda EganShe/Her • Natick, MA
Quote from Nominating Student: "What is so special about Ms. Egan is her encouraging nature. It is always about us as the students and how we think is best to serve our queer population. I truly believe she gives us more space to grow while also ensuring that we’re able to facilitate activities independently and in a safe environment. I am so grateful for her." |
Kezia GilyardThey/Them • Fort Lauderdale, FL
Quote from Nominating Student: "They are literally saving lives. I know that I would not feel as happy and fulfilled at school if it was not for the work that they did. I was having a very hard time in school as a gay boy but they helped me and supported me. They work really hard to train the people who work at the school so they know how to treat the kids well. I’m happy they are there to support the kids." |
Amber AndradeShe/Her, They/Them • San Jose, CA
Quote from Community Partner: "Amber is principal at a school with a student population predominantly Latinx and Vietnamese first-generation college-bound. As a principal she has led her school to be inclusive and a place where LGBTQ youth feel seen, valued, and supported. You don't always think of going to the principal's office as a good thing but her middle schoolers LOVE her. She has built a community of support around them and they know they are loved." |
Antonella MakdessiShe/Her • Tampa Bay, FL
Quote from Community Partner: "Antonella leaves a legacy behind everywhere she goes. Often times, LGBTQ students don't know where to go for support at their school. Antonella has created an environment where there are multiple avenues of support - from teachers to administration." |