The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced the four teachers who have been selected as recipients of the 2018 Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards.
The 2018 recipients are: Catherine Albers of Oregon, Wisconsin; Askia Egashira of Brooklyn, New York; Dennis McDavid of Oak Park, Michigan; and Caryn Obert of Staten Island, New York.
Now in their eighth year, the awards recognize inspiring teachers in any field of education across the U.S.
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Each year, nominations are solicited from the general public, who are invited to submit their personal stories about educators—from kindergarten through college—who made a significant impact on their lives.
The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards are presented each year on Sondheim’s birthday, March 22. Recipients each receive a $10,000 prize. Their stories, as told by the nominating students, are featured on a website dedicated to inspirational teachers.
Myrna and Freddie Gershon, who fund the annual awards, established the honor in celebration of Sondheim’s 80th birthday. Since its creation in 2010, a total of 75 teachers have been recognized for their influence on students in a wide variety of disciplines—not just the arts. To date, $750,000 has been bestowed since the awards’ inception.
