Blackboard Awards

What Are The Blackboard Awards?

Founded by New York Family in 2002, The Blackboard Awards accomplish two worthy goals: They help New York City parents make informed choices about their children’s education, and they honor and celebrate schools, principals, guidance counselors and teachers of excellence from all education communities—public, private, parochial and charter—and from all grade levels, from nursery school through high school.

How does it work?

In February, we host an awards night for schools, principals, and guidance counselors. For most of the Blackboard Awards’ history, the master of ceremonies was the legendary memoirist and NYC teacher Frank McCourt. Since his death we’ve welcomed a variety of distinguished educators and city dignitaries. The participation of NBC News’ Kate Snow and Lynda Baquero as the hosts of the Blackboard Awards was a special honor given NBC’s own commitment to education through their annual Education Nation series. Bolstering the ceremonies is an in-depth series of education-related articles, profiles and resources appearing in New York Family magazine and here on BlackboardAwards.com.

How can a parent participate?

Parent participation is critical to the helpfulness and success of the Blackboard Awards, and since its inception nine years ago, thousands of city parents have participated. Nominations are currently open for principals, schools, teachers and guidance counselors. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 10th, 2020.

Your recommendations count!

By telling us about a school you like, you’re helping that school grow its reputation and reach other families who may be interested in it. By telling us about a teacher or principal you love, you’re helping us honor some of society’s most important—and most unsung—heroes.