all star teachers

Love your teachers? Nominate them to the Pittsburgh Pirates All Stars team!

The Pittsburgh Pirates is giving new meaning to All Star players this season. The Pirates All Star Teachers program will select 18 teachers to be honored throughout the summer.

Winning teachers will receive a classroom surprise of a $1,000 grant, a personalized Pirates jersey and game tickets. Their fame will extend to pre-game on-field recognition, as well as a videoboard appearance and inclusion in the First Pitch Pirates magazine.

“The Pirates are proud to call attention to and honor our region’s terrific educators,” says Frank Coonelly, Pirates president, who has teamed with Pirates Charities, The Grable Foundation and Chevron on the All Star Teachers initiative.

“Our teachers go above and beyond by dedicating their lives to helping generations of children reach their potential and making a positive impact in our community,” he says. “For that, they should be honored and recognized.”

Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers from southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia are eligible to be nominated. The 18 winning teachers will include six elementary, six middle school, and six high school teachers. A committee comprised of members of the contributing organizations – including Intermediate Unit 1, Allegheny Intermediate Unit and Kidsburgh – choose the winners.

What makes a winning teacher? Consider these characteristics in your nomination:

Innovative: Uses unique ways to educate and inspire students to develop a curiosity for learning beyond the classroom.

Outstanding: Displays a true passion for education and provides an exceptional learning experience.

Worldly: Assists students in understanding that academic concepts are all around us and linking those with real-world lessons to make connections between school, community and work.

Academic: Engages students in the classroom, preparing them for college and/or career success. 

“Recognizing outstanding teachers establishes a culture that rewards excellence in teaching and validates the work of the teacher,” says Gregg Behr, executive director of the Grable Foundation. “It gives students a sense of pride in their teachers, displays teachers as positive role models, and encourages students to think about teaching as a career.”

Nominations are open until March 1. Click HERE to nominate your favorite teacher.