#United States #Toyota #Louisville #Family Teacher #National Center for Families Learning

Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is thrilled to share the finalists for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award. This prestigious recognition celebrates educators who excel in fostering family engagement within their communities. For nearly three decades, NCFL and Toyota have partnered to honor extraordinary teachers who adopt a multigenerational learning approach, thus facilitating successful partnerships between families and schools that enhance student achievements and overall school improvement.

A Commitment to Family Engagement

In 2025, NCFL continues the legacy of honoring educators who make a difference in their students’ lives and their communities. This year's finalists hail from various states, representing an exemplary commitment to educational excellence and innovative family engagement strategies.

Meet the Finalists

The following educators are in the running to receive the esteemed title:

• - Anne Abbott: As the Family Literacy Program Coordinator at Literacy NRV in Christiansburg, Virginia, Anne has dedicated herself to improving literacy rates and ensuring that families have access to the resources they need.
• - Dale Ebcas: A Special Education Teacher at Joseph and Olinga Gregory Elementary School in Kalskag, Alaska, Dale is recognized for his passionate commitment to making learning accessible to all students, regardless of their challenges.
• - Shalun Matthews: Serving as the Director of the SAFE Center and Community Engagement at Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, Shalun works diligently to empower families and enhance community involvement in education.
• - Paige Reuber: As the Adult Education Lead Teacher at Briya Public Charter School in Washington, DC, Paige focuses on integrating adult education with family learning, ensuring that parents are engaged in their children's education.
• - Cynthia Valdez: A Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Teacher at Mesa View Elementary in Grand Junction, Colorado, Cynthia is pivotal in creating an inclusive and responsive learning environment for diverse families.

Each of these finalists was nominated by their peers for their unwavering support in promoting family engagement and for their innovative contributions to education.

Rewards and Recognition

The winner of the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year will not only earn the prestigious title but also receive a grant of $20,000 to further advance family engagement initiatives in their communities. Additionally, one runner-up will be awarded $5,000. The announcement of the winner and runner-up is set for later this fall and both will be recognized during the 2025 Families Learning Conference scheduled from November 2-5, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Impact of the Toyota-NCFL Partnership

Colleen Casey, PhD, the General Manager for Sustainable Development and Workforce Development at Toyota, expressed the importance of investing in educators to help build stronger communities. She noted, "For 29 years, Toyota's partnership with NCFL has strengthened our commitment to a sustainable future and mobility for all. By investing in and celebrating our teachers, we collectively shape future leaders and innovators."

This collaboration has significantly impacted educational funding, as since the beginning of the award, Toyota Family Teacher of the Year recipients and their organizations have received a total of $725,000 in grants for 58 innovative teacher-led projects. The efforts of NCFL are aimed at eradicating poverty through education, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among families, schools, and community members.

About the National Center for Families Learning

NCFL is a national nonprofit organization that has worked for over 35 years to empower families through educational solutions. Their vision is to establish robust family learning systems across 60 communities, aimed at improving educational and economic outcomes and fostering thriving communities. For more information on NCFL and opportunities to engage or support their initiatives, visit familieslearning.org.

As the recognition unfolds, the stories of these dedicated educators serve as a testament to the profound impact that committed teachers can have on families and communities nationwide. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year and the continued celebration of the vital role that educators play in building better futures for all.