https://flagaward.org/home daily 1.0 2024-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568822169169-JM2RM28LEPJZU99F9J5D/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568729280266-QW6UIDMTN58WKKMVNX6X/image-asset.jpeg Home - C Challenges and inspires students of all abilities https://flagaward.org/team-member-gallery daily 0.75 2025-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1569419919768-CCXHZ3D0R8Q6EC1OHS3L/4605.jpg Team Member Gallery - Glenn Fuhrman, Founder Glenn Fuhrman is a co-Founder and co-Managing Partner of Tru Arrow Partners, an investment partnership based in New York, formed specifically to partner with investing families from around the world the Founder and CEO of Virtru Investment Partners, a private investment firm based in New York. Glenn is a Trustee of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, The Museum of Modern Art and The TATE Americas Foundation and a Board member of The Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. He is also a Board Member of the 92nd Street Y and the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation. In 2007 Glenn founded The FLAG Art Foundation in NYC as an independent exhibition space organizing 4-6 shows a year, each curated by a different curator. FLAG co-sponsors the Suzanne Deal Booth/FLAG Art Foundation Prize which includes a $200,000 award to an outstanding contemporary artist. In 2013, Glenn and his wife Amanda sponsored the creation of the nation’s largest free Wi-Fi network covering 95 city blocks in Harlem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1569419919768-CCXHZ3D0R8Q6EC1OHS3L/4605.jpg Team Member Gallery - Glenn Fuhrman, Founder Glenn Fuhrman is a co-Founder and co-Managing Partner of Tru Arrow Partners, an investment partnership based in New York, formed specifically to partner with investing families from around the world the Founder and CEO of Virtru Investment Partners, a private investment firm based in New York. Glenn is a Trustee of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, The Museum of Modern Art and The TATE Americas Foundation and a Board member of The Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. He is also a Board Member of the 92nd Street Y and the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation. In 2007 Glenn founded The FLAG Art Foundation in NYC as an independent exhibition space organizing 4-6 shows a year, each curated by a different curator. FLAG co-sponsors the Suzanne Deal Booth/FLAG Art Foundation Prize which includes a $200,000 award to an outstanding contemporary artist. In 2013, Glenn and his wife Amanda sponsored the creation of the nation’s largest free Wi-Fi network covering 95 city blocks in Harlem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1569334789840-2DBB5JHN7WNY34T9DAP5/IMG_2007.jpg Team Member Gallery - Amanda Fuhrman, Founder Amanda Fuhrman is a non-practicing attorney previously with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, specializing in Trust and Estates. She left law to pursue public service, and became the Deputy Executive Director of Millennium Promise, a nonprofit founded by economist Jeffrey Sachs and philanthropist Raymond Chambers, focused on eradicating extreme poverty. Amanda is currently a Trustee of the Brooklyn Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568901448025-E3GMIMYL0AB3OTKMIVIK/Laura+Twersky.jpg Team Member Gallery - Laura Twersky Laura Twersky is Co-President of The FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating outstanding public school teachers. Laura had a long career in marketing, first at Avon Products, Inc., and later as a marketing consultant based out of Westport, CT. In 2006, she started her own business, Milestone Video Montage, a video production company specializing in custom photo montages for special events. Laura is a graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and continues to be an active alumna, interviewing prospective students. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568901453757-I39D3X5SESTC807VFJO5/Risa+Daniels.jpg Team Member Gallery - Risa Daniels Risa Daniels is Co-President of The FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating outstanding public educators. Since 2018, she has been and continues as the Collection Manager and Registrar of The Fuhrman Family Foundation and the VP of Finance of FLAG Art Film Productions. From 2014–2018, she was the Exhibitions and Programs Manager at The FLAG Art Foundation, New York. Risa received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University, Durham, NC, graduating cum laude, and a master’s degree in Contemporary Art from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York, graduating with honors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568993361522-UFI9UNHKQ2761Y0D6RWF/Shaq-Headshot-1-1200x900.jpg Team Member Gallery - Shaquille O'Neal, National Advisor Born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 6, 1972, Shaquille O'Neal is considered to be one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history. At 7 ft 1 in tall and weighing 325 pounds, Shaq's larger-than-life personality and powerful athleticism have resulted in worldwide adulation and one of the most passionate fan bases in sports and entertainment. O'Neal played for six teams throughout his 19-year NBA career and was announced as a nominee for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on December 21, 2015. Shaq's individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 15 All-Star game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year. He ranks 7th all-time in points scored, 5th in field goals, 13th in rebounds, and 7th in blocks. Largely due to his ability to dunk the basketball, O'Neal also ranks 3rd all-time in field goal percentage (58.2%). Shaquille O'Neal's off-court accolades rival his athletic accomplishments, having found success in acting, music, television and gaming. Currently, Shaq is an analyst on Inside The NBA. Philanthropically, Shaquille's relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of America dates back to his youth in New Jersey. As a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, he has been participating in campaigns with the non-profit company for the past 15 years. In 2018, he joined the national board of directors for Communities in Schools. https://flagaward.org/20232024-jury-gallery daily 0.75 2023-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686943951411-0SDIQEN2QBX9U54Z5V4Y/JUNE.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Jessica Abrams, 2023 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence Winner Jessica Abrams is a middle school STEM teacher at Liberty Avenue Middle School in Brooklyn. She wrote and obtained grants providing $250,000 for technology in STEM equipment and $175,000 to start a hydroponics lab in the school. She has recently petitioned the NYC Parks Department to dedicate an outdoor space next to the school so she can expand the hydroponics lab and create a sustainable community garden for the families and the broader community. Having been trained in Culturally Responsive Team techniques, Abrams piloted student-led restorative justice circles. She also facilitates a girl’s group called Girls Empowerment Movement (GEM). Some of the GEMs joined Jessica when she took 25 students to Europe in May to submerge themselves in different cultures and life experiences as part of a leadership program culminating in a service learning project based on what they learned as global citizens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686943951411-0SDIQEN2QBX9U54Z5V4Y/JUNE.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Jessica Abrams, 2023 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence Winner Jessica Abrams is a middle school STEM teacher at Liberty Avenue Middle School in Brooklyn. She wrote and obtained grants providing $250,000 for technology in STEM equipment and $175,000 to start a hydroponics lab in the school. She has recently petitioned the NYC Parks Department to dedicate an outdoor space next to the school so she can expand the hydroponics lab and create a sustainable community garden for the families and the broader community. Having been trained in Culturally Responsive Team techniques, Abrams piloted student-led restorative justice circles. She also facilitates a girl’s group called Girls Empowerment Movement (GEM). Some of the GEMs joined Jessica when she took 25 students to Europe in May to submerge themselves in different cultures and life experiences as part of a leadership program culminating in a service learning project based on what they learned as global citizens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1692025817890-NTKD20324DCKDT9RLZZU/MichaelDriskillWebsite_0.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Michael Driskill, Chief Operating Officer, Math for America Michael Driskill spent ten years in the classroom, teaching each grade from 6-12 and courses ranging from Introductory Algebra to Linear Algebra. His teaching experience includes both public and independent schools, where he has held positions as a classroom teacher, teacher researcher, instructional specialist, and dean. He studied teacher selection and professional development in Tokyo and Nagaoka, as a recipient of the Japan Memorial Fulbright Grant. Michael received his M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from The City University of New York, Brooklyn College, and a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has pursued graduate-level studies in mathematics and school administration at NYU and Hunter College, respectively. He is interested in the ways that teachers continue to learn about their subject, the craft of teaching, and the students they teach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1661785884617-RVFEK5H7XJUQUVM0Z70Y/Bob+HR.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Bob Hughes, Director, K-12 Education, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bob Hughes oversees the work to ensure that we prepare all students for success in college and career. Before joining the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, Bob was president of New Visions for Public Schools, a New York City school network of 70 district schools serving approximately 45,000 students. Bob has also led or been involved in individual and class action litigation in special education and state school finance. He started his career providing legal representation to homeless parents and students in the New York City public school system and worked extensively with community organizers around education issues. Bob serves as a board member of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Prior board affiliations include Advocates for Children of New York, Fund For Teachers, and Projects in Education, the nonprofit publisher of Education Week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1692026430987-PI74D9MXTOSFXB86Y1JL/Mackie_1320.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Nisa Mackie, The Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director of Learning and Engagement, MoMA Nisa Mackie is passionate about arts learning and its potential to provide tools to navigate our increasingly complex world. She is particularly excited by designing experiences with and for young people. Mackie joined the Museum of Modern Art after holding several roles at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, first as Director and Curator of Education and Public Programs and, most recently, as Head of Public Engagement, Learning, and Impact. In her leadership roles at various institutions she has developed and managed innovative artist residencies, public programs, teen learning, children and family programs, and experiments in on-site and online engagement and interpretation, infusing community capacity-building and culturally responsive learning strategies to build deeper relationships with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. She recently co-edited the book “How-to Kit” with Simona Zappas and Yolanda Majors, published by the Walker Art Center. It is a compendium designed to support museum educators to design teen programs at their institutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1661785930315-XA771BVZWXWTT9YZL11H/292593.jpg 2023-2024 jury gallery - Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York Dr. Betty A. Rosa is the Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Prior to serving as Commissioner and Interim Commissioner, she served as the Chancellor and Member of the Board of Regents. Dr. Rosa is a nationally recognized education leader and received an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. She also holds two other Master of Science in Education degrees, one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York and Lehman College, respectively, and a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. She has more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience with an expertise in inclusive education, cooperative teaching models, student achievement, and policy implementation. https://flagaward.org/20232024-grand-prize-gallery daily 0.75 2024-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718044134009-HCBFTRZ5LCFO6RWTEL7A/IMG_5661.jpeg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Gifty Asamani, High School for Math, Science, and Engineering Dr. Gifty Asamani is always looking for opportunities to elevate her students’ STEM experiences and interactions with hands-on learning and exposure to real science. In the two short years she has been on staff, she has already built affiliations with Harlem DNA Lab, CUNY Advanced Research Center, NYC H20, BioBase, STEMMattersNYC, NSBE, and Rockefeller University to help students immerse themselves in STEM/STEAM activities that are not available at the school. She also reinvigorated a fireside speaker series where students get to hear from professionals in STEAM careers including scientists, journalists, and artists. She likes to incorporate the arts into the sciences. For example, she asks students to write a rap about the functions of cells. Her students have also presented group science projects where they wrote and performed poems to jazz and country music. She credits her teaching style to being a constant learner, including learning from her students and participating in learning opportunities, including traveling to the Berlin Biennale and Documenta (in Kassel) as an Astor Fellow to study contemporary arts and its role in education. Recently, she also traveled with a group of New York City teachers to Gambia as an official guest of the President and Educational Commissioner of the country to establish the “Teacher of the Year” award to celebrate outstanding teachers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718044134009-HCBFTRZ5LCFO6RWTEL7A/IMG_5661.jpeg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Gifty Asamani, High School for Math, Science, and Engineering Dr. Gifty Asamani is always looking for opportunities to elevate her students’ STEM experiences and interactions with hands-on learning and exposure to real science. In the two short years she has been on staff, she has already built affiliations with Harlem DNA Lab, CUNY Advanced Research Center, NYC H20, BioBase, STEMMattersNYC, NSBE, and Rockefeller University to help students immerse themselves in STEM/STEAM activities that are not available at the school. She also reinvigorated a fireside speaker series where students get to hear from professionals in STEAM careers including scientists, journalists, and artists. She likes to incorporate the arts into the sciences. For example, she asks students to write a rap about the functions of cells. Her students have also presented group science projects where they wrote and performed poems to jazz and country music. She credits her teaching style to being a constant learner, including learning from her students and participating in learning opportunities, including traveling to the Berlin Biennale and Documenta (in Kassel) as an Astor Fellow to study contemporary arts and its role in education. Recently, she also traveled with a group of New York City teachers to Gambia as an official guest of the President and Educational Commissioner of the country to establish the “Teacher of the Year” award to celebrate outstanding teachers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718110359053-UBK7WUGTMGX53BOYGY45/SPACESCS1677531423218.jpg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Staci Balice, Space Shuttle Columbia Public School 58 Staci Balice is an elementary school Library/Media teacher. During the COVID lockdown the library at her school was turned into storage space. When the school was ready to reopen , they asked Staci to transform it into a library and media center. Despite her lack of tech experience and that there were no computers or technology of any kind in the space, Staci jumped at the chance and committed quickly to making the library/media space accessible and engaging for all students. She integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) enrichment into her curriculum. Now, students read hard copy books and create related digital media projects to advance their digital literacy. Staci has transformed the library curriculum to include media education and has been working to build out a STREAMing space set to debut in the fall. Staci has advanced digital literacy—and students’ tech experiences—by forging partnerships, including with LEGO Education, with the goal of incorporating hands-on, playful learning centers in standards-aligned lessons in science, engineering, and technology. She founded her school's Girls Who Code chapter, which helps address girls’ low STEM participation. Just two years after founding the 20-member chapter, her students earned first place as the sole all-female team at the Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718044060226-BVUOK3RS3O60HPCWTSPO/image-asset.jpg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Emilie Jones, CIS 303: The Leadership and Community Service Academy, Bronx Emilie Jones is an 8th grade ELA teacher whose driving force is making sure students see themselves in the classroom. That has led her to create the student-led passion project that started with a simple question to students: “If you could learn anything in school, what would it be?” That question led to a two-month curriculum where students picked a research topic, built a website, created their own research project schedule and benchmarks, shared their passions with their parents, peers, and teachers, and reflected on their learning. She also runs a student advisory group, amplifies student voice in the classroom through student driven podcasts and digital portfolios, and encourages students to become change-makers in their communities. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Emilie is a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. From writing LGBTQ+ curriculum for the DOE to spearheading initiatives like the LAMBDA Literary Program and the Pride Club, she creates safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. She also serves on the Instructional Leadership Team, the Principal's Planning Team, and the International Baccalaureate Committee, shaping the school's academic direction and fostering a globally minded educational environment. Additionally, Emilie is the director of the popular drama department, which counts a third of students in the school as participants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718025637029-GTEBO8YF8TCQ1C08IBBP/20240530_080451.jpeg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Aaron Lober, Halsey Middle School 157, Queens Despite his background in special education and English, Aaron Lober seized the opportunity to become a middle school STEM educator, learning various coding languages and pursing a second master’s degree in CS education. He has spearheaded the establishment of the STEM department at his school and works with Exploring Equity in Computer Science to craft STEM curriculum for the district. Aaron prioritizes student-centered education, Social-Emotional Learning and experiential learning, demonstrated through initiatives like creating a hydroponic farm in his classroom to educate students on food scarcity and sustainable farming practices. Beyond the classroom, Aaron organizes and sustains various in-school clubs and summer programs including the Halsey Robotics Team and App-making Program, including one with NASA. Furthermore, he advocates for STEM integration across disciplines, and is currently working on a proposal to the DOE for the inclusion of a mandatory STEM course for subject teachers. Realizing that many of his students couldn’t afford summer camps or wouldn’t get into the DOE’s random lottery summer program, Aaron started a free summer program where he teaches various STEM related courses on his school’s campus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718044233875-Q3HCKJIKNYU0299YIILW/AM.jpg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Alicia Marcinkowski, PS 120, Prek-5th Grade Alicia Marcinkowski is an ENL (English as New Language)/Art teacher at an elementary school. During the pandemic, she started teaching ENL through the lens of art history, culminating in a corresponding weekly art project during which students created art in the style of the artist being studied. The program was so successful with the students that post-pandemic, her principal asked her to turn this into a class curriculum. She now has her own classes where she uses her innovative curriculum. Students say that being in class with Alicia is the best part of their day. Better yet, students who have stalled in learning English found renewed interest through Alicia’s ENL/Art class. Her ENL program is the only one of its kind, but she would love to expand to other schools. Outside of the classroom she is involved in several committees at the school including Lead Teacher on the Social Committee, the leader of the Cluster inquiry team and a member of the Instructional Leadership and Equity team. She is a certified mentor to other teachers and students at St. John’s University and Adelphi University. Alicia is a participant in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Professional Learning Community which includes workshops during the summer and on Saturdays. She has organized several field trips for her students there, including a school-wide trip with families for the Lunar New Year Festival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1718044159011-JS06HTV4ZU55EHHDSBJP/Kelly+Preston.jpg 2023-2024 Grand Prize Gallery - Kelly Preston, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women, Brooklyn Kelly Preston teaches social studies at the all-girls middle and high school, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women. A few years ago, in response to student feedback, she redesigned the social studies curriculum, highlighting more diverse perspectives and subjects and moving from a teacher lecture structure to one that enables student-led learning. In one year, this resulted in a 50% increase in test scores on the Global History Regents. She believes this is her greatest strength as an educator—to plan engaging, rigorous lessons that focus on artifact analysis and student collaboration. As the instructional lead for the social studies department, she has helped spread this approach throughout the department and the broader school community. Alongside social studies, she promotes civic engagement among students and is the supervisor for the school’s Youth Leadership Council where a group of students successfully advocated City Council members, securing a $90,000 grant to support the Safe Passage anti-violence program, which ensures that children make it home safely after school. Additionally, her interest in civics has led to a position on the Teacher Leadership Board for Generation Citizen where she provides a teacher perspective for civics-related initiatives that Generation Citizen is implementing nationally. https://flagaward.org/20242025 daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726145062381-Z1KX5CPWXHA5ZJ56ASL9/Heidi-Holder-Met-Museum-Chair-of-Education.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Heidi Holder, Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Heidi Holder, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is the Chair of Education at The Met. She is responsible for the department’s vision and oversees all educational programs and events for a diverse range of audiences locally and across the globe. She has over 20 years’ experience in museums and higher education, where she has developed and led STEM and college student success programs, innovative community engagement initiatives, and art and wellness programs. Her work in museum interpretation investigates the role of language, justice, and interactive maker-spaces in promoting equity in museum settings and explores ways for communities to connect to art in ways other than talking and looking. Most recently, she was the concept lead for the creation and implementation of the 81st Street Studio, The Met’s new interactive children’s space. She previously served as director of education at the Queens Museum and director of education at the Museum for African Art in New York, now The Africa Center. Holder holds a doctorate in Urban Education from the Graduate School and University Center, CUNY. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726145062381-Z1KX5CPWXHA5ZJ56ASL9/Heidi-Holder-Met-Museum-Chair-of-Education.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Heidi Holder, Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Heidi Holder, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is the Chair of Education at The Met. She is responsible for the department’s vision and oversees all educational programs and events for a diverse range of audiences locally and across the globe. She has over 20 years’ experience in museums and higher education, where she has developed and led STEM and college student success programs, innovative community engagement initiatives, and art and wellness programs. Her work in museum interpretation investigates the role of language, justice, and interactive maker-spaces in promoting equity in museum settings and explores ways for communities to connect to art in ways other than talking and looking. Most recently, she was the concept lead for the creation and implementation of the 81st Street Studio, The Met’s new interactive children’s space. She previously served as director of education at the Queens Museum and director of education at the Museum for African Art in New York, now The Africa Center. Holder holds a doctorate in Urban Education from the Graduate School and University Center, CUNY. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726145894775-2GVMVNS9C1ADVC4H7741/Seth-Pinsky-2000px+wide.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Seth Pinsky, CEO The 92nd Street Y Seth Pinsky joined The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY), New York’s global center for culture, connection and enrichment and the leading Jewish cultural and community center in the world, as Chief Executive Officer in January 2020. At 92NY, Pinsky has overseen the growth of the institution’s online reach, an institutional rebrand, the roll-out and implementation of a $200 million master redevelopment plan and the renewal and reimagination of 92NY’s programming across its many departments. Previously, Pinsky was an EVP at RXR Realty, where he led RXR’s efforts to invest in “emerging opportunities” in the New York region. Earlier, Pinsky oversaw the development of Mayor Bloomberg’s $20 billion plan to protect New York from climate change impacts and, from 2008 to 2013, was President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Pinsky started his career as an associate at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton and analyst at James D. Wolfensohn Inc. He graduated from Columbia College and Harvard Law. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726145807723-4EJ1PXUVHR76YTC80QCG/image-asset.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Emilie Jones, 2024 Bronx Grand Prize Winner Emilie Jones is an 8th grade ELA teacher whose driving force is making sure students see themselves in the classroom. She also runs a student advisory group, amplifies student voice in the classroom through student driven podcasts and digital portfolios, and encourages students to become change-makers in their communities. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Emilie is a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. From writing LGBTQ+ curriculum for the DOE to spearheading initiatives like the LAMBDA Literary Program and the Pride Club, she creates safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. She also serves on the Instructional Leadership Team, the Principal's Planning Team, and the International Baccalaureate Committee, shaping the school's academic direction and fostering a globally minded educational environment. Additionally, Emilie is the director of the popular drama department, which counts a third of students in the school as participants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726146064439-QRNSQGLGR0XT25V3ZPX6/kate-levin.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Kate D. Levin, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program Kate D. Levin oversees the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program, supporting a range of organizations and activities in the United States and around the world. Current initiatives include management training, public art, and digital technology. She is also a principal at Bloomberg Associates in Cultural Assets Management. From 2002-2013, Levin served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Managing the largest single arts funder in the U.S., she increased support for cultural organizations, and expanded creative sector participation in economic development, tourism, human service, and education initiatives. Levin oversaw the city’s permanent public art commissioning program, and helped develop and promote numerous temporary exhibitions and performances. The inaugural Fellow at the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University and a former professor of English at City College/CUNY, Levin also served in the administration of New York City Mayor Ed Koch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1726162770990-YVZTYAF6OPD7TOVVHQHS/rosa.jpg Jury 2024-2025 - Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York Dr. Betty A. Rosa is the Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Prior to serving as Commissioner and Interim Commissioner, she served as the Chancellor and Member of the Board of Regents. Dr. Rosa is a nationally recognized education leader and received an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. She also holds two other Master of Science in Education degrees, one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York and Lehman College, respectively, and a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. She has more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience with an expertise in inclusive education, cooperative teaching models, student achievement, and policy implementation. https://flagaward.org/20252026-jury daily 0.75 2025-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1748982252069-1VH3QU46FXIY0X1GJ6AP/1516946725403.jpg 2025-2026 jury - Emily Chandler, 2025 Brooklyn Grand Prize Winner Emily Chandler is a special education teacher at a D75 school where she teaches a wide range of subjects based on the evolving needs of her students. Over the years, she has taught everything from ELA and financial math to environmental science. While many of her students were not initially on a Regents diploma track, her efforts have helped them achieve remarkable academic success–including an 80% pass rate in ELA. Emily attributes much of her success to her use of a project-based, cross-disciplinary curriculum and actively creates opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning outside the classroom. For example, she partnered with the Morgan Book Project to guide students through a thousand-year-old book-making process integrating ELA with art, math, history, and science. Even when not working with formal partnerships, Emily takes full advantage of New York City’s rich educational landscape, attending numerous workshops and leading field trips to museums and cultural institutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1748982252069-1VH3QU46FXIY0X1GJ6AP/1516946725403.jpg 2025-2026 jury - Emily Chandler, 2025 Brooklyn Grand Prize Winner Emily Chandler is a special education teacher at a D75 school where she teaches a wide range of subjects based on the evolving needs of her students. Over the years, she has taught everything from ELA and financial math to environmental science. While many of her students were not initially on a Regents diploma track, her efforts have helped them achieve remarkable academic success–including an 80% pass rate in ELA. Emily attributes much of her success to her use of a project-based, cross-disciplinary curriculum and actively creates opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning outside the classroom. For example, she partnered with the Morgan Book Project to guide students through a thousand-year-old book-making process integrating ELA with art, math, history, and science. Even when not working with formal partnerships, Emily takes full advantage of New York City’s rich educational landscape, attending numerous workshops and leading field trips to museums and cultural institutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1757339910386-YFGEA04YMUWCHLVQLQ9K/Mark-Dunetz-Philip-Greenberg-2018-540x540.jpg 2025-2026 jury - Mark Dunetz, President of New Visions for Public Schools In his two decades working in education, Mark has worked as a program evaluator, an educational consultant and a professor of research methods and educational administration. He first worked at New Visions for Public Schools in 2006 when he supported the implementation of the organization’s first certification program for aspiring school administrators. Mark served as the founding principal of the Academy for Careers in Television and Film from 2008 until 2013 as it developed into one of the city’s most academically successful non-selective high schools. In 2013, Mark returned to New Visions as Vice President for School Support and Operations responsible for leading the organization’s partnership with the NYC DOE and the support of 80 partner schools. In 2016, Mark was selected as the president of New Visions. Mark holds a B.A. in U.S. History from the University of California, Santa Cruz; an M.A. in Teaching Speakers of Other Languages from NYC and a Ph.D. in Urban Education with a concentration in education policy from the Graduate Center of CUNY. Mark sits on the boards of the NYC Charter School Center and The Research Alliance for NYC Schools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1757339357815-SBWRN72EKC4D7U59I2RK/haas.jpg 2025-2026 jury - Pam Haas, Executive Director of the NY region of Facing History & Ourselves Pam is the Executive Director of the New York region of Facing History and Ourselves. She joined Facing History in 1998 and served as Facing History’s New York Director of Development and Associate Director of Advancement until 2018. As a key member of the senior leadership team, Pam provided strategy and vision for the growth of Facing History in the region. Pam also represents Facing History at regional and national conferences and has led fundraising and programming efforts for organization-wide projects, contributing to the increase in the number of schools and communities served. Before Pam joined Facing History, she earned a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and taught humanities and French as a middle school teacher. She was also the Director of Breakthrough Cambridge, MA, an academic enrichment program for talented, low-income, middle school students. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1757339362975-7YJ1OTQCVZPLOQ84WHUG/292593.jpg 2025-2026 jury - Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York Dr. Betty A. Rosa is the Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Prior to serving as Commissioner and Interim Commissioner, she served as the Chancellor and Member of the Board of Regents. Dr. Rosa is a nationally recognized education leader and received an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. She also holds two other Master of Science in Education degrees, one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York and Lehman College, respectively, and a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. She has more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience with an expertise in inclusive education, cooperative teaching models, student achievement, and policy implementation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1757597162516-21URU0TRC62BLLBP9WD4/ShamiliaTocrurayPHoto.jpeg 2025-2026 jury - Shamilia Tocruray, Director of Education at Brooklyn Museum Shamilia Tocruray is Director of Education at Brooklyn Museum where she collaboratively stewards programs serving K-12 audiences, teens, adults, emerging professionals and an array of community partners. With grounding in liberatory education, applied theatre and socially engaged art, Shamilia’s experience includes over a decade of leading arts programming, professional development and mentorship across sectors. Her work with educators, organizational leaders, justice workers and wellness practitioners centers equitable practice and cultivating community through transformative experiences with art. Shamilia lives with her family in the Little Caribbean section of Brooklyn. https://flagaward.org/nominate daily 0.75 2025-09-11 https://flagaward.org/faq daily 0.75 2025-06-05 https://flagaward.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-09-30 https://flagaward.org/the-award daily 0.75 2024-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568820400194-SYVYWSJEJ7K1HSKAHE0M/image-asset.jpeg The Award https://flagaward.org/the-jury daily 0.75 2025-09-11 https://flagaward.org/the-process daily 0.75 2025-06-09 https://flagaward.org/the-award-1 daily 0.75 2019-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568820400194-SYVYWSJEJ7K1HSKAHE0M/image-asset.jpeg Copy of The Award https://flagaward.org/the-organization daily 0.75 2019-09-25 https://flagaward.org/founders daily 0.75 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/c8456137-912b-4499-b00b-951bb4cddbf0/Glenn+and+Amanda.jpg Founders' Statement My mother and my aunt were both public school teachers, as was my wife’s mother, and I know how hard teachers work and how dramatically they can impact their students’ lives. I attended public school from Kindergarten thru 12th Grade and received a fantastic education. In fact, I would credit many of my teachers for directly helping me become the person I am today. My fifth grade year in particular, is a very specific memory for me and my teacher, Stephen Kriss, (Mr. Kriss as I still prefer to call him) propelled me forward in an especially memorable and powerful way. He nurtured my interest in science and math, and always made the lessons exciting and unique, whether that meant a weekend field study for a large group of us at the beach hunting for owl pellets or an optional advanced math problem put up on the black-board on Fridays to grapple with over the weekend. I still remember the excitement I felt returning to school on Monday morning, having solved the problem. I am still in contact with Mr. Kriss, some forty-plus years after having been in his class. — Glenn Fuhrman, Founder https://flagaward.org/nomination-thank-you daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://flagaward.org/2020winners daily 0.75 2022-06-21 https://flagaward.org/2021 daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://flagaward.org/2022 daily 0.75 2022-09-09 https://flagaward.org/the-grant daily 0.75 2023-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686324837296-C91R3G42NJD6DVGQLKAT/IMG_2893.jpg The Grant - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686317630954-1J5VVMR1FXAYCP70RFQJ/Book+signing+2.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686317607736-S49S3IHQM4PPMKIE5ESI/Broadway+books.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686317543109-XVYYMZKB0GUYIQGBH004/Boys+Dance.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1686317607884-U3SWMUJ0VADHLTMGEC2S/Book+signing.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1693510428169-0C8NQ90JFY2UXOR7V28F/cherice1.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1693510428058-DKZRZ8CA3XGW4N4O80V2/cherice2.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1693510429069-NXS81KEW7XPMFACAGJMI/cherice3.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1693510429266-C2XPMKPM2GCBQL07C2IQ/cherice4.jpg The Grant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8047646563ea32faaf0e4a/1568820400194-SYVYWSJEJ7K1HSKAHE0M/image-asset.jpeg The Grant https://flagaward.org/2023 daily 0.75 2023-06-26 https://flagaward.org/2024 daily 0.75 2024-10-09 https://flagaward.org/2025 daily 0.75 2025-06-04