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2026 Joy of Teaching Award

The GiveJoy Foundation believes that education is critical to empowering and guiding students to bright futures. As part of our mission to spread joy by providing students with resources related to physical health (body), mental wellness (mind), and character development (heart/soul), we aim to recognize the very individuals who make educating future generations a possibility through the Joy of Teaching Award.

The Joy of Teaching Award seeks to:

  • Recognize and encourage quality education through excellent, compassionate, and innovative teaching

  • Celebrate the commitment and dedication of education professionals

  • Elevate the image of education and educational institutions through public awareness in our communities

  • Stimulate the personal and professional growth of educators of all levels

  • Encourage inventive classroom activities that will actively inspire students and parents

  • Catalyze the attraction of new people to the education profession

About Nominations

Nominations may be submitted by education professionals, colleagues, parents, or students. Education professionals are allowed to self-nominate. Nominations can be submitted online via a nomination form. Nominees are limited to individuals in the United States.

Nomination questions include:

  1. What are three words to describe the person nominated? Please expand on each of these.

  2. How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to innovation in education?

  3. Please explain how the nominee’s vision and approach to education aligns with the mission of the GiveJoy Foundation.

  4. Please provide one example of how the nominee has made an impact in or brought joy to your life and/or the lives of others on your campus or in your community?

Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, March 4th to Friday, April 17th. Awardees will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4th – 8th).

For the scope of this program, education professionals are categorized as any individual involved within the school setting in any teaching, paraprofessional, or teacher support roles. Nominations may be submitted by self, peers, parents, and students..

Submit Nomination

Award Specifics

For 2026, THREE Joy of Teaching Award recipients will be selected:

  • 1 from Del Valle ISD

  • 1 from Bryan ISD

  • 1 from any educational institution in the US

Joy of Teaching Award recipients will receive recognition at their schools and by The GiveJoy Foundation. The Del Valle ISD and Bryan ISD awardees will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to a Sandals Resort. The awardee selected from the national pool of applicants will receive a $1000 American Express Gift Card!

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be reviewed and judged by the GiveJoy Foundation Selection Committee based on the following criteria:

1) Alignment with the mission and vision of The GiveJoy Foundation

2) Demonstration of commitment to education

3) Positive impact made in the lives of students and the community

4) Innovative approach to teaching and education (within or outside the classroom)

Please reach out to info@givejoyfoundation.org with additional comments or questions.