Nominations sought for award program

Each year, more than 2,000 nominations are submitted from students, parents, school administrators, colleagues and community members.

Last year, 2,300 nominations were submitted on behalf of 1,200 teachers in the county.

To date, more than $216,000 has been given to local educators, and more than 270 teachers have been honored with the award, according to a press release.

Created jointly in 2001 by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the program recognizes Chester County teachers that show dedication both in and out of the classroom. George Fiore, the new executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, will serve as cochair of the program with Michael Schnably, Citadel senior vice president.

“In so many ways, teachers are unsung superheroes, and Citadel is proud to give them the honor they deserve,” Schnably said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have the Chester County Intermediate Unit as our partner to celebrate the deserving educators in this community.”

Nominations for the Heart of Learning Award are divided by district, and the top 3 to 5 per district selected, before moving on to the selection committee. The selection committee then decides on the district and grand prize winners, according to a Citadel spokeswoman.