Spotlight on Education: Awarding Exceptional Schools and Educators

In a world where education shapes our future, TCM’s Spotlight Award shines a well-deserved light on exceptional schools, educators, and support staff. Recognizing those who go above and beyond in their service to the community, this award program honors the lasting impact they make on students’ lives and their neighborhoods. In this article, learn more about TCM’s Spotlight Award and the institutions and educators being honored. 

Nominations are open for the 2024-2025 TCM Spotlight Award through the month of October. Nominate a school today!

The Spotlight Award

The Spotlight Award recognizes and celebrates schools across the nation for their work with students, parents, and the community. The Spotlight Award recipients exemplify what it means to make a difference through three key characteristics: trailblazing leadership, high expectations, and community support.

Trailblazing Leadership

The Spotlight Award recipients demonstrate leadership in ways that blaze a new path. Their efforts get educators, staff, and students out of their comfort zones for the purpose of learning and growing. 

High Expectations

Spotlight Award recipients set and maintain high expectations for teaching and learning that boost learning and exemplify a commitment to these expectations. 

Community Support

Spotlight Award recipients demonstrate a strong commitment to community and collaboration and rapport among the school, families, staff, and students. 

In addition to the recognition that schools and staff receive for receiving this honor, recipients also receive an award for the school, books and a $100 TCM gift card for every educator to utilize towards TCM, Free Spirit, or Shell Education resources of their choice.

Past Spotlight Award Recipients 

In 2023, TCM Recognized 11 schools across the nation for the Spotlight Award.  Deanne R. Mendoza, TCM’s Executive Vice President for Strategic Partnerships said of the recipients, “We are proud to spotlight all eleven schools across the nation. They have exemplified what it means to make a difference with students, parents, and in the community.” 

Sales Representatives and Regional Vice Presidents nominated schools for the award.  Spotlight Award winning schools received a plaque for the school and each educator of the school received a $100 TCM gift card. 

The 2023 award winning schools were:

• Aboite Elementary (IN)
• Carlos Rey Elementary (NM)
• Courreges Elementary (CA)
• Isabel “SEM” Elementary (TX)
• Juarez Academy (CA)
• Lewis Elementary (FL)
• Mesa View Elementary (CA)
• Pocalla Springs Elementary (SC)
• Springhill Lake Elementary (MD)
• Signal Hill Lake Elementary (CA)
• St. Bonaventure Catholic School (CA)

TCM applauds past recipients for their trailblazing leadership, high expectations, and community support.