9/23/2022
Education and Outreach
Clark County School District (CCSD) teachers never falter in their relentless dedication to students.
In the aftermath of the pandemic’s distance learning, CCSD teachers provide ongoing support for students academically, emotionally and even with food and shelter during these challenging times.
They surely deserve a standing ovation – and community members can give them just that.
Anyone can nominate a CCSD teacher for a Heart of Education Award through January 13, 2023.
Hundreds of finalists will be recognized at a red-carpet event at The Smith Center, with the top 20 teachers each receiving a $5,000 cash award and a $1,000 donation to their school.
The nomination process takes just five minutes, and can change a teacher’s life.
Past honoree Rogelio Caballero, who donated part of his cash award to purchase more classroom supplies, says earning a Heart of Education Award validated his tireless efforts as an educator.
“Year after year, we work without any recognition of our dedication and hard work,” Caballero says. “To have that recognized was unexpected and gratifying.”
CELEBRATING TEACHERS WITH A SHOW-STOPPING EVENT
The Heart of Education Awards celebration in spring 2023 will honor exceptional teachers with the fanfare they deserve.
All finalists will receive swag bags with gifts from a wide range of Southern Nevada businesses. The evening will also offer electrifying, live entertainment, with past performers including Grammy nominee Clint Holmes, comedian George Wallace and Las Vegas favorite Frankie Moreno.
The event will also feature a surprise keynote speaker. Past speakers include former First Lady Laura Bush, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and actor and journalist Mo Rocca.
Receiving a Heart of Education Award inspired past honoree Siobhan Fergiels to continue her selfless work with students, after she has fostered and even adopted high-need students.
“Oftentimes you get so caught up in doing the work that needs to be done, that you don’t even expect recognition,” Fergiels says. “This acknowledgment is something that I cherish deeply. I will continue to do that work to uphold its value, and my commitment to serving students and the community.”
RETAINING OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS
The nomination period for the Heart of Education Awards ends at midnight on January 13, 2023.
The Smith Center will invite nominated educators to share personal accounts of how they positively impacted their students, classrooms and communities. A group of community leaders and education professionals will review all submissions.
As a nonprofit, The Smith Center created the Heart of Education Awards in 2015 to promote recruitment and retention of CCSD teachers. The awards program is made possible by a long-term commitment from The Rogers Foundation.
For many teachers, these awards inspire them to continue pouring their energy into supporting their students.
This includes past honoree Desiree Bedocs, who took professional development classes on mental health and trauma-informed practices, to help students cope with pandemic-related issues.
“I think I won this award because I was lucky enough for someone to see all the work I do,” Bedocs says. “There is power in feeling valued by your community.”