Yale honors educators who inspired newest freshmen

Yale’s newest freshman class has arrived, and now the university is honoring the high school educators who helped the students get here.

Presented annually by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Yale Educator Awards recognize outstanding teachers and counselors from around the world who have supported and inspired their students to achieve at high levels.

Matriculating students are invited to “thank the people who have been instrumental in your educational success” by nominating them for the award. A committee of Yale admissions officers selects the recipients.

This year, there were a record 306 nominees, representing 39 states and 20 countries. Of these, 53 teachers and 20 counselors were chosen to receive the award. This included seven international recipients in Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Kuwait, Peru, and the United Kingdom.

In September, the winners are sent engraved desk sets and congratulatory letters, and administrators of the high schools are notified of the educators’ achievement. The university has presented more than 500 Yale Educator Awards since the program began in 2006.

“This is one small way we can show our appreciation to the educators who shape our students long before they attend Yale,” says Jeremiah Quinlan, dean of undergraduate admissions. “We recognize that motivating and supporting students takes an entire school community.”

Click here to see the names of this year’s Yale Educator Award winners.