The Smith Center And The Rogers Foundation Open Nominations For Fourth-Annual Heart Of Education Awards

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and The Rogers Foundation announced today that nominations are now open for their fourth-annual Heart of Education Awards, recognizing outstanding educators in Clark County School District (CCSD). Community members are encouraged to nominate teachers through January 18, 2019, as hundreds of award finalists will be celebrated at a special, red-carpet event in April at The Smith Center.

Anyone can nominate a CCSD teacher who goes above and beyond at TheHeartOfEducation.org.

The Heart of Education Awards event will honor finalists with live entertainment, swag bags and a surprise keynote speaker. The top 20 teachers will be named winners, with each receiving a $5,000 cash prize and a $1,000 donation to a school program of their choice.

"Taking just five minutes of your time to submit a nomination could change a teacher's life," said Myron Martin, CEO and president of The Smith Center. "So many teachers in our community change students' lives every day, and never expect anything in return. We believe our community can make a big difference with our education system by thanking these amazing educators."

The nomination period ends at midnight on January 18, 2018. All submissions will be reviewed by a group of community leaders and education experts.

The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization, created the Heart of Education Awards in 2015 to promote teacher recruitment and retention in CCSD. The Heart of Education Awards is made possible by a long-term commitment from The Rogers Foundation in support of honoring hardworking educators in Southern Nevada.

"To put Clark County school teachers on a well-earned pedestal - that is what the Heart of Education Awards is all about," said Beverly Rogers, chairman of The Rogers Foundation. "Nominating a teacher you've watched go above and beyond is a short and easy process that promises meaningful and long-term effects. We encourage students, parents, peers and administrators to share your story about an educator who exceeds the bounds of his or her job description every day."

CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara welcomes this opportunity to honor impactful educators.

"My outstanding teachers made all the difference for me," Jara said. "So many of us have had our lives positively impacted by an amazing teacher. I'm thankful that The Smith Center and The Rogers Foundation have created such a meaningful way to honor those who serve our students every day. I encourage everyone to nominate a teacher and celebrate the greatness that exists in the Clark County School District for all our students."

Over 750 educators were recognized at the third-annual Heart of Education Awards event in April 2018. Since this awards program began, a total of 61 teachers have received Heart of Education Awards.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal serves as the print media sponsor for this awards program, with additional support from KSNV-TV (News 3) and The CW Las Vegas.

Intended as a community-wide support mechanism for educators, The Heart of Education Awards welcomes sponsorship opportunities to further engage transformation across CCSD. To pledge your support, contact Tanja Brennan at 702-749-2342 or TBrennan@TheSmithCenter.com.

For more information about The Heart of Education Awards and to submit a nomination, visit TheHeartofEducation.org.

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