Frequently Asked Questions - Teacher Recognition Ceremonies

1. Where should we hold our ceremony?
2. Who should be invited to attend the ceremony?
3. What is a good structure for the ceremony?
4. How many teachers should be honored at the ceremony?
5. How should we honor teachers? What if my community has limited funds with which to present teachers with gifts?

• At the central agency or federation. Most members of the community are comfortable with this common space. In addition, utilizing this space saves the cost of renting a room.
• Each year the event rotates to a different synagogue or school. Many communities will hold their ceremonies in the home school or synagogue of the Educator of the Year.
• In a hotel ballroom or hall. This is a neutral, special location and allows for flexibility with respect to different programs and different size groups.

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The answer to this question depends on the size of the space and the number of people in your community. However, it is always best to invite as many people as possible to give teachers the widest recognition. Be sure to invite all teachers and principals, agency executives and board members, and any guests of the teacher being honored. If possible, open the event to the entire Jewish community, including parents, students and synagogue lay and professional leadership.

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The structure depends mainly on community preference, size and budget, but some structures work better than others. Whether held at an annual agency meeting, a luncheon, dinner, banquet, or reception, the following are key components of a recognition ceremony:

• D’var Torah by a local Rabbi or community leader
• Speeches by colleagues and/or students of the teacher
• A Keynote address by the teacher
• Presentation of certificates/gifts/award money (donors often make the most appropriate presenters)
• Food!

In addition, some communities have successfully conducted workshops or professional development seminars following the ceremony so that many teachers attend the ceremony and so that all benefit.

• Don’t be afraid to try new ideas when creating a plan for your ceremony. Communities have done everything from picnics to afternoon tea with great success because of the uniqueness of the ceremony. The key to a good ceremony is fun!

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How many teachers should be honored at the ceremony?

This varies depending on the size of the community. Most communities have an Educator of the Year award and also honor retiring teachers. Some communities present creative teaching awards and recognize teachers who have reached “Chai” (18 years teaching) or double “Chai” (36 years teaching). Some communities honor one teacher from each school, while some single out one teacher of excellence from among the whole community. Teachers who have participated in significant continuing education or professional development opportunities are often recognized.

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Many communities will present the Educator of the Year with a significant cash prize either for his or her own personal use, a trip to Israel or professional development. Gifts of Judaica, books or some kind of plaque are all meaningful ways to honor teachers who have reached a milestone year. A small cash prize to buy materials or a trip to an in-state educational conference is an appropriate and affordable way to honor creative teachers. Each teacher being honored should receive a certificate and a copy should go to their school as well. Another relatively inexpensive way to honor all teachers is to provide them with corsages or boutonniere to wear during the ceremony.

It is important to make this ceremony personal for the teachers being honored. Have people who know the teacher give speeches and present the award, inscribe books, engrave Judaica, present a slide show of the teacher. Ask students to write letters to their teacher and present the book at the ceremony.