New London Educator Receives National Teaching Award
Recognized for dedication to students, public education, and the teaching profession
New London teacher Elizabeth Sked was recognized before her peers at today’s back-to-school convocation as one of five recipients nationwide of the NEA Foundation’s prestigious 2020 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence.
“Elizabeth is a shining example of the highly-qualified, skilled, dedicated teachers in Connecticut,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “She promotes excellence in teaching and service to the profession by mentoring new teachers, advocating for resources that teachers and students need, facilitating professional development presentations, and speaking to legislators about issues that impact public education.”
Five teachers from across the country receive the annual Horace Mann Award, along with a $10,000 prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the NEA Foundation Salute to Education Gala in Washington, D.C., in February. Sked and the other four Horace Mann Award winners are also eligible for the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence and $25,000.
Sked, a Jennings School instructional literacy coach, is a proud public school educator and union leader, who is dedicated to her students and to fortifying the foundation of teaching practice.
“I am passionate about helping teachers become the best teachers they can be and in turn positively impacting many students. Every decision I make, every day, starts and ends with students.”
This is the second time in just four months that Sked has been recognized before her peers for her teaching excellence. In May, she received CEA’s highest honor, the John McCormack Award, which recognizes and promotes excellence in teaching and service to the profession. The award, which is highly competitive, examines teachers on five criteria: professional practice, community engagement, leadership in professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for the profession.
Leake added, “Elizabeth cares deeply about her students and encourages each and every one of them to succeed and fulfill their dreams. She has left a lasting impression on the hundreds of students who have entered her classroom over the past 23 years.”
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For further information contact CEA Communications Director Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317, nancya@cea.org.
About the Connecticut Education Association
The Connecticut Education Association is Connecticut’s largest teachers’ union, representing active, retired, and aspiring educators across the state. CEA advocates for students, teachers, and public education and is the driving force in lobbying for the resources public schools need and campaigning for high standards for teachers and students.
About the NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation is a public charity founded by educators for educators to improve public education for all students. Since our beginning in 1969, the Foundation has served as a laboratory of learning, offering funding and other resources to public school educators, their schools, and districts to solve complex teaching and learning challenges. We elevate and share educator solutions to ensure greater reach and impact on student learning. We believe that when educators unleash their own power, ideas, and voices, communities, schools, and students all benefit. Visit neafoundation.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to our blog.
About Horace Mann
Horace Mann (Horace Mann Educators Corp. (NYSE: HMN)) is the largest financial services company focused on providing America’s educators and school employees with insurance and retirement solutions. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information about the company, visit horacemann.com.
