2018 Citadel Heart of Learning Award Nomination Period Now Open

Citadel encourages Chester County students, parents, and members of the community to nominate a deserving teacher.

EXTON, PA — Citadel has announced the nomination period for the 2018 Citadel Heart of Learning Award is now open.  Nominations for the 17th annual Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program will be accepted through December 31, 2017.  

Chester County students, parents, and community members are encouraged to nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Teachers who receive the Citadel Heart of Learning Award show excellence both inside and outside the classroom, and make a difference in the lives of their students. Last year, more than 2,200 teachers were nominated for the award.

“We read thousands of nominations for Chester County teachers each year, and it is an extremely rewarding experience,” said Michael Schnably, senior vice president, Citadel, and co-chair for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. “The teachers in this community are outstanding, and they deserve to be recognized. We are thrilled to read their stories and honor them with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.”  

After the nomination period ends, 15 finalists are selected from the nominations; one finalist from each of the 13 public school districts in Chester County, one from the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and one from a Chester County non-public school, which includes charter and home schools.  All finalists receive $500 to use in their classroom and are honored at the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards banquet in early May. Three winners are selected from the 15 finalists – one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school teacher – and each receives an additional $1,500 to use in their classroom. 

“I was completely shocked to be a winner of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. When the kids walked in with the camera crew, I was completely caught off-guard, but was so touched to have been nominated,” said Carrie Mitton, East Vincent Elementary teacher and 2017 winner for the Owen J. Roberts district.  “The memories the kids shared and their words of gratitude warmed my heart more than I could ever express. They were sincerely excited for me to receive the nomination, and I’ll certainly cherish sharing that moment with them forever.”

Schools with Heart
In addition to the teaching excellence award, the top three schools that submit the most nominations receive the “Schools with Heart” award from Citadel. Schools with Heart awards three cash prizes – first place, $1500; second place, $750; and third place, $500 – for the schools to support assemblies or events.    

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was created in 2001 by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Thousands of nominations are submitted each year for teachers throughout Chester County. For more information, nomination rules, and to submit teacher nominations, visit CitadelHeartofLearning.com.