Teachers, school colleagues, and principals from accredited education institutions encouraged to nominate eligible educators
Contributed Article
Phoenix — Chicanos Por La Causa’s Esperanza Latino Teachers Awards are now accepting nominations for eligible teachers to be recognized for their positive impact on students and the community. A panel of educators and community leaders will select four Arizona teachers based on classroom impact, professional leadership, community involvement, obstacles overcome, and personal development.
Each honoree will receive a $5,000 cash award and a stipend of $2,500 to their respective schools.
“We all remember our favorite teacher. The one who inspired us to reach our full potential. Having a teacher who shows a child that they can succeed is a valuable experience in the classroom,” said Alicia Nuñez, CPLC President and CEO. “The Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards celebrate the lasting influence and hope that teachers inspire among the future generations.”
Established in 1998, the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards remains the only award in Arizona that specifically recognizes Latino teachers whose passion positively impacts the learning environment and inspires future generations.
To be eligible, nominees must be full-time teachers of Latino descent and must teach at a state-approved or accredited school in Arizona. Additional criteria include:
- Spend the majority (over 50%) of their teaching assignment in direct instruction to students.
- Teach any grade Pre-K-12th (or combination) in Arizona. Teachers may work in any content area, including Special Education, P.E., the Arts, etc.
- Have completed at least six (6) full years as a fully certified classroom teacher at the time the application is submitted, with the most recent three years in Arizona. Note: Student teaching or apprenticeship years do not count toward this requirement.
- Be a full-time teacher and plan to continue in an active teaching status through the school year 2024-2025.
Nominations from across the state are due on Thursday, March 27, 2025, by 5 p.m. Applications may be downloaded at cplc.org and submitted via email to cathy.keppel@CPLC.org or mailed to:
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
Attn: Cathy Keppel
1112 E. Buckeye Road
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Fax (602) 256-2740
For more than 26 years, CPLC has celebrated hundreds of outstanding Latino educators. The Esperanza Awards are presented by Cox Communications and SRP in collaboration with Southwest Airlines.
