HISTORY OF THE B.E.S.T. AWARDS
The Bethlehem Educational Scholastic Trust (B.E.S.T.) Fund was established with the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation more than two decades ago by a group of Bethlehem civic & business leaders who believe that the work of teachers is so critical to the community – as well as to the students – that outstanding teachers required special recognition.
Since 2000, B.E.S.T. Awards reward excellence in teaching at the K-12 levels in the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD). All recipients of the B.E.S.T. Award receive a certificate, a monetary award, and are recognized at the BASD convocation in August.
In partnership with The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District has developed the nomination process and recipient selection process for 2021. Recipients of the 2021 B.E.S.T. Awards are chosen by The Foundation’s Grant Committee which is comprised of community members with a variety of personal and professional expertise.
Teachers are chosen to receive one of three B.E.S.T. Awards:
- Elementary School Level – The Seymour and Sophie Haber Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Middle School Level – The Bernie Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching
- High School Level – The Anthony Ruggiero Award for Excellence in Teaching
2021 B.E.S.T. AWARD NOMINATION CRITERIA
Nominate a BASD teacher who:
- Supports students, the BASD and the community beyond the classroom
- Conveys enthusiasm and is an expert in the subjects they teach
- Has outstanding personal characteristics that enhance teaching and learning
- Is a positive influence on parents, students, fellow teachers and administrators
Past recipients of the award are ineligible for a second B.E.S.T. Award. Click Here for a full list of past recipients.
Nominations are closed. Award recipients will be announced in June 2021.
QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK NEEDED
Contact Julie Bailey, Executive Director at jbailey@basdschools.org or 610-861-0500 ext. 60255
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARD RECIPIENTS
Award Recipients will be announced in June 2021.
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT’S MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District (formerly known as Bethlehem Area Education Foundation or BAEF) is to Enhance Learning Opportunities for All Students of the Bethlehem Area School District, Promote Family and Community Partnerships, and Support Academic Innovation.
LEHIGH VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S MISSION STATEMENT
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation promotes philanthropy in order to improve the quality of life in our region, to encourage collaboration among area philanthropists, and to serve as a source of information and expertise regarding charitable giving.
