2027 Distinguished Educator of the Year Award
 

Nominations Are Now Open!

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The Woodland Hills Foundation is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for our 2027 Distinguished Educator of the Year Award!

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Each year, we recognize an outstanding Woodland Hills educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to students, excellence in education, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the Woodland Hills School District, dedicated educators go above and beyond every day to inspire, encourage, and support their students. From classroom teachers and specialists to counselors and other educational professionals, these individuals help shape the futures of countless young people.

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But this award is about more than excellence in teaching. We want to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact through their compassion, leadership, creativity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping students succeed.

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Do you know a Woodland Hills educator who deserves to be recognized? We want to hear about them!

 

About the Award

 

The Distinguished Educator of the Year Award honors an exceptional Woodland Hills educator who exemplifies excellence in education, outstanding character, dedication to students, and a commitment to making a positive difference.

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The ideal recipient has not only demonstrated excellence in their professional responsibilities but has also made meaningful contributions to the lives of students, families, colleagues, and the broader school community.

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Whether through innovative teaching methods, mentorship, student advocacy, extracurricular involvement, community service, or simply going above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and supported, these educators leave a lasting impression that extends far beyond the classroom.

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While professional accomplishments and recognition are important, the Foundation also values the everyday acts of kindness, encouragement, and dedication that make an educator truly extraordinary.

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The selected honoree will be recognized at the Woodland Hills Foundation's 2027 Starry Night Gala at Edgewood Country Club, where they will be celebrated for their contributions and invited to address Gala guests.

 

Who Can Be Nominated?

 

Nominations are open to current and former educators who have served within the Woodland Hills School District.

Eligible nominees may include classroom teachers, special education teachers, instructional specialists, school counselors, librarians, and other educational professionals who have made a meaningful impact on Woodland Hills students.

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Nominees should demonstrate a combination of professional excellence, dedication to students, and a commitment to serving others.

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Retired educators are welcome and encouraged to be nominated. Nominees do not need to be currently employed by the Woodland Hills School District to be considered.

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We encourage nominations from current and former students, parents, fellow educators, colleagues, alumni, and community members who are familiar with the nominee's accomplishments and contributions.

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Selection Criteria

 

Nominees will be evaluated based on several factors, including, but not limited to:

• Excellence in Education: Demonstrated outstanding achievement, dedication, or leadership in teaching, student support, educational services, or their area of specialization.

• Honors and Recognition: Awards, distinctions, or other recognition received for professional excellence, educational innovation, leadership, or service.

• Student Impact: A demonstrated ability to inspire, encourage, mentor, and positively influence students, helping them grow academically, personally, and socially.

• Dedication Beyond the Classroom: A commitment to supporting students through extracurricular activities, mentorship, volunteerism, student advocacy, or other meaningful contributions beyond regular professional responsibilities.

• Connection to Woodland Hills: A history of meaningful service within the Woodland Hills School District and a demonstrated commitment to its students, families, and school community.

• Support of the Woodland Hills Foundation: Involvement with or contributions to the Foundation through volunteerism, participation in Foundation programs, charitable activities, guidance, or other forms of assistance.

• Impact and Inspiration: The extent to which the nominee's dedication, character, compassion, and contributions have made a lasting positive difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and the broader community.

• Community Recognition: Nominations or endorsements from students, former students, families, fellow educators, colleagues, or community members whose lives have been positively influenced by the nominee.

 

Nominees do not need to meet every criterion to be considered. The Foundation recognizes that exceptional educators make a difference in many ways, and each nominee will be evaluated based on their individual accomplishments, dedication, and impact.

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An educator's influence is not always measured by awards or professional distinctions. Sometimes, the most extraordinary contributions come from the everyday moments of encouragement, compassion, and support that students remember for a lifetime.

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Honoring Our 2027 Distinguished Educator of the Year

 

The selected recipient will be honored at the Woodland Hills Foundation's 2027 Starry Night Gala on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at Edgewood Country Club.

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In order to be selected, the nominee must be able to attend the Gala in person.

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During the evening, Gala guests will have the opportunity to learn about the honoree's achievements and contributions, and the recipient will be invited to share remarks with those in attendance.

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This recognition is one of the ways the Woodland Hills Foundation celebrates the extraordinary educators who have helped shape generations of Woodland Hills students and whose influence continues to make a difference long after their students leave the classroom.

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Nominate an Outstanding Woodland Hills Educator!

 

Every day, Woodland Hills educators make a difference in the lives of their students. Some have earned prestigious awards and widespread recognition, while others have quietly spent their careers inspiring young minds, offering encouragement, and helping students overcome challenges.

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We believe both deserve to be celebrated.

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Perhaps it was a teacher who helped a struggling student discover their potential, a counselor who provided guidance during a difficult time, or an educator whose kindness and encouragement changed the course of someone's life.

These are the individuals whose impact deserves to be recognized.

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Help us celebrate an exceptional Woodland Hills educator by submitting a nomination for the 2027 Distinguished Educator of the Year Award!

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We look forward to hearing the stories of the remarkable educators who have made Woodland Hills a better place to learn, grow, and succeed.