Thanks to the generous support of the Staples Foundation for Learning, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation was able to launch the Hispanic Heritage Teacher Award in 2007 -- an award that acknowledges influential teachers within Latino communities who make a positive impact on the lives of Latino youth.

Teachers are nominated by Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients. All Youth Award Recipients submit an essay about a teacher who made an impact on his or her life and displayed a strong dedication and commitment to education. During April and May, twelve teachers from across the country are selected as regional finalists. Each teacher receives recognition and a grant to help purchase much-needed supplies for their classrooms.

The regional finalists are passed along to a National Selection Committee and one educator is named as the national winner. The National Hispanic Heritage Teacher is flown to the National Youth Awards ceremony and the Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC and honored alongside the National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awardees. To read about these amazing educators, click HERE