Vanderbilt hosted the 11th annual Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards in collaboration with the Nashville Public Education Foundation on Oct. 30. Twenty-five Metro Nashville Public Schools educators—including several Peabody College alumni—were recognized for excellence in student success, opportunity, instruction and leadership. Honorees received a $2,000 cash prize, professional headshots, a trophy and two round-trip Southwest Airlines vouchers.
“This recognition is a reflection not only of your skill and dedication, but of the countless hours you pour into your students,” said Diarese George, president and CEO of the Nashville Public Education Foundation, during the awards ceremony at Peabody College’s Wyatt Center.
A Nashville tradition of honoring educators
Attended by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, MNPS Director of Schools Adrienne Battle and other elected officials, the celebration reflected a shared commitment to elevating educator leadership and student outcomes. The event builds on Vanderbilt’s ongoing collaboration with NPEF to honor exceptional educators and strengthen Nashville’s education ecosystem. Since 2014, more than 475 MNPS teachers have been recognized through the Blue Ribbon Teacher program.
Meet the 2025 Blue Ribbon Teachers and learn more about the program.>>
“The Blue Ribbon Teacher award recognizes the hard work of these teachers and shines a spotlight on the innovation and leadership that happens daily in MNPS classrooms,” Battle said. “Our Blue Ribbon teachers represent the very best of Nashville Public Schools and public education.”
“The work of educators not only transforms classrooms, it strengthens the very fabric of this city that we love,” said Nathan Green, vice chancellor for government and community relations.
Vanderbilt’s support of NPEF is part of the university’s commitment to uplifting local K-12 schools, educators and students.
Vanderbilt also supported NPEF’s Public Schools Hall of Fame event in September, where Green presented the Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Leader award to Janet Miller in recognition of her enduring leadership and commitment to advancing public education and opportunity for Nashville’s students.
Learn more about Vanderbilt in the Nashville community.>>
Looking ahead
NPEF is investing in educator-led innovation through the fifth Teacherpreneur cohort, inviting Nashville public school certificated, non-administrative educators to design and refine solutions to a challenge they see in their classroom or school. Beginning in early 2026, participants will refine their concepts and pitch for a share of $25,000 in cash prizes.
To learn more about the Nashville Public Education Foundation and how you can support Nashville’s educators, visit nashvillepef.org.
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