2026 All-Star Teacher Award: Celebrating Exceptional Educators in California
$30,000 Prize for Grand Prize Winner’s School
Nominations Open Until January 31, 2026
In an inspiring initiative to honor innovative educators, NBC Sports Bay Area & California in partnership with Provident Credit Union has launched the 2026 All-Star Teacher Award. Now entering its 19th year, this program aims to acknowledge K-12 teachers across Northern and Central California who display remarkable commitment to their students and communities.
The Grand Prize and Announcement
The standout teacher chosen as the grand prize winner will see their school benefit from a generous $30,000 contribution. The announcement of the winner will take place during a San Francisco Giants game this summer, shining a spotlight on the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations.
For those looking to nominate deserving educators, submissions can be made through the following links:
Nominations are open until January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Selection Process
Following the nomination period, a selected panel of judges will evaluate submissions and identify five finalists. Evaluations will consider criteria such as overall commitment to education, teaching excellence, relationships with students, and individual distinction.
Public voting will play a crucial role in the final decision. Open from April 6, 2026, to June 1, 2026, the public can vote for their favorite finalist through the same nomination websites mentioned above.
Judging Panel
The esteemed judging panel for this year’s award includes:
- Jay dela Cruz – Director of Community Engagement at NBC Bay Area
- John Haggarty – Vice President of Marketing and Digital Experience at Provident Credit Union
- Rabiah Khalid – Community Investment Manager at Comcast California
- Detra Paige – Director of Alumni and Family Relations for the Athletics
- Sue Petersen – Executive Director of the Giants Community Fund
Last Year’s Winner
In 2025, Greg Martin was celebrated as the All-Star Teacher Award recipient, earning a commendable $30,000 for Sylvia Mendez Elementary School in Berkeley, showcasing the impact this award can have on educational institutions.
About Provident Credit Union
Founded in 1950, Provident Credit Union has grown into a major financial institution, boasting over 135,000 members with 21 community branches throughout the Bay Area. Initially started as the California Teachers Association Credit Union, it has expanded to serve a broad community, offering a comprehensive range of financial services including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, and various loan options.
About NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California
NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California serve as the regional sports networks for over four million households across Northern California, Nevada, Southern Oregon, and Hawaii. As the home channel for major teams like the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers, these networks provide extensive coverage that includes more than 600 live game broadcasts annually.
For those interested in sports coverage and local insights, follow the teams on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
This recognition program not only boosts morale among educators but also actively contributes to enhancing educational facilities in California. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate and elevate the impact of teachers in your community!
