KIPP Honors 10 Teachers with $10K Awards

Great teachers have the power to shape futures, and the KIPP Public Charter Schools network is shining a spotlight on ten educators who are making an extraordinary impact. During the recent 2026 Teacher Appreciation Week, these dedicated individuals were honored with the prestigious Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award, each receiving a $10,000 prize.

Celebrating Excellence in Education

This award isn’t just about recognizing good teaching; it’s about celebrating educators who demonstrate exceptional academic results, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to their students’ success. The KIPP Foundation selects these teachers from its vast network, which includes over 8,000 educators serving nearly 125,000 students across 279 schools in 21 states and Washington, D.C.

KIPP CEO Shavar Jeffries emphasized that the award winners embody the “highest standards of instructional excellence.” He noted that their remarkable student outcomes are a direct result of their skill, dedication, and passion for teaching, ultimately changing the trajectory of their students’ lives.

Inspiring Educators Making a Difference

Among the distinguished recipients is Hannah Deremo from KIPP Chicago, whose innovative kindergarten literacy instruction has significantly boosted reading levels. In Baltimore, Darricka Jackson’s third-grade ELA students surpassed city averages on state exams by over 11 percentage points.

The list also includes kindergarten teachers Priscilla Taoufik and Ijnanya Minor, who have achieved an incredible 100% grade-level literacy rate in their classrooms for consecutive years, even with students starting below benchmark. Seventh-grade math teacher Kathleen Vallejo earned recognition as 93% of her students passed New York’s state math exam, more than doubling the citywide pass rate.

Honoring a Teaching Pioneer

The Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award is named in honor of Harriett Ball, an experienced Texas educator whose dynamic teaching methods, including movement and chants, inspired the founding of KIPP back in 1994. Her legacy lives on through these educators who continue to create engaging and effective learning environments.

• Recognizes outstanding teachers within the KIPP network.
• Awards a $10,000 prize to each recipient.
• Celebrates strong academic results, leadership, and dedication.
• Honors the legacy of educator Harriett Ball.