Citadel Credit Union is looking for ‘teaching excellence’

Nominations are being accepted for annual Citadel Heart of Learning Award

EXTON » Citadel Credit Union is looking to recognize teachers from across the Greater Philadelphia area that go “above and beyond” to make a difference in the lives of their students.

Nominations are being accepted for the award through Jan. 15, 2023. Teachers, counselors, and administrators at public and private schools in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery,

Lancaster and Philadelphia counties are eligible.

Finalists will receive a glass heart award, at least $1,000 for use in their classroom and will be honored at a ceremony in May, when grand prize winners will be announced.

“Across Greater Philadelphia, our counties, towns, and districts have varied challenges and students with diverse needs. What all areas have in common is there are dedicated teachers building strength in education,” Mike Schnably, senior vice president, Citadel Credit Union, said in a statement. “Celebrating teachers, the unsung heroes who mold our children, continues to be one of Citadel’s proudest moments as an organization each year.”

For 22 years, the Citadel Heart of Learning Award has recognized teachers “who make a difference in our community, support students beyond the call of duty, and encourage full potential,” according to the nomination form. Since its inception, more than $350,000 in grants has been awarded to more than 370 teachers.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was started in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to recognize local teachers who show dedication in and outside of the classroom. Initially established to recognize Chester County teachers, the program was expanded in 2021 to include teachers from across the Greater Philadelphia region.

Last year, 31 finalists were chosen from among thousands of nominations. One grand prize was presented in each category: elementary, middle and high school. Each grand prize winner received a prize of $10,000 — $5,000 for them and $5,000 for their schools.

There are a couple of ways to submit a nomination for the 2023 awards:

• Visit CitadelBanking.com/ NOMINATE and complete the form. The nomination will ask for information about the nominated teacher, and why they are being nominated

• Video submissions can also be made on social media, tagging @ CitadelBanking

• Email CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com with information about the nominee

MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO Nominations are being accepted for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, which recognizes teacher excellence in the Greater Philadelphia region. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2023.