Teachers Federal Credit Union’s sixth annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest honoring educators opens public voting for classroom grant winners

WHAT:

Teachers Federal Credit Union invites the public to help recognize exceptional educators by voting to determine the winners of its annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest. Selected from a nationwide pool of nominations, this year’s finalists represent outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact in their classrooms and communities.

From April 20 through April 24, the public can cast votes to help determine which educators will receive classroom grants in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place May 4–8, 2026.

 A total of 18 finalists, six from each category (Grades Pre-K–5, 6–8, and 9–12), are competing for nine classroom grants. The top three vote recipients in each category will be awarded grants of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 in funding to support their classrooms. Winners will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“Supporting educators is deeply connected to our history and who we are as an organization,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to recognize these outstanding finalists and the difference they make in the lives of their students each day. I encourage communities everywhere to join us by voting and celebrating their impact.”

WHEN:

• April 20, 2026 - Public voting for finalists begins
• April 24, 2026 - Last day to vote
• May 5, 2026 - Winners are announced

HOW:

• Public voting for the finalists will take place on the Teachers website: teachersfcu.org/teachercontest
• The winners will be announced on teachersfcu.org/teachercontest, Teachers social media, and via email to members and nominators

WHO:

• The educators selected as the eighteen finalists include:
  • Grades Pre-K–5:
    • Angelamaria Bowling, Roland Park k8 IB Magnet School - Tampa, Florida
    • Daniel Casamassa, Pulaski Street Intermediate School – Riverhead, New York
    • Judith Goldfarb, Charles A. Mulligan Elementary School – Central Islip, New York
    • Emily Gottschalk, Starbright Children’s Center – Center Moriches, New York
    • Jaimie Miscioscia, Cayuga Elementary School – Lake Grove, New York
    • Elizabeth Veilleux, Otsego Elementary – Dix Hills, New York

• Grades 6–8:
  • Agnerys Canizares, Gulfview Middle School – Naples, Florida
  • Jennifer Grasso-Moise, East Middle School - Brentwood, New York
  • Lindsay Guzzo, Samoset Middle School – Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
  • Leck Nhotsoubanh, Bellport Middle School – Bellport, New York
  • Susan Porter, Nesaquake Middle School – St. James, New York
  • Jon Stecker, P.J. Gelinas Middle School – Setauket, New York

• Grades 9–12:
  • David Hendler, Sanford H. Calhoun High School – Merrick, New York
  • Nancy Kombert, Wilson Tech – Dix Hills, New York
  • Christine Maniscalco, West Islip High School – West Islip, New York
  • Rahana Schmalacker, Central Islip High School – Central Islip, New York
  • Jaclyn Tannazzo, Farmingdale High School – Farmingdale, New York
  • Frank Verdone, Hampton Bays High School – Hampton Bays, New York

  MEDIA CONTACT:

  Paula Goldenberg

  paulag@rwest.com

   

  LINK TO CONTEST:  teachersfcu.org/teachercontest