SHARE AND VOTE FOR SUBMISSIONS

Mr. Price is an amazing teacher. He takes time out of his day to make sure our class is enjoyable and that English is understandable. He makes sure we're comfortable in his class and works so hard just to be able to provide us with the top-tier education that we, as Buckingham students, thoroughly enjoy. He deserves a vacation, a rest from the difficult but rewarding life of a teacher, which is why I nominate Mr. Price for the prize of a Norwegian Cruise Line.

Hazar came to Maryland from Syria to join her extended family and earn a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, she became an ESOL teacher in Prince George's County Public Schools and taught ELs in grades 9-12. Hazar's 18 years of experience in education as a teacher, mentor teacher, supervisor, curriculum developer, instructional coach, and program director to the biggest and most diverse program in Maryland, have helped her build herself and learn as she goes to become ready as an educational... (view more) leader in her field. During that time she facilitated various workshops and taught professional development courses on how to work with ELs to promote English language development as well as to enhance their academic achievement. In 2021 Haza wanted to go back to PGCPS to have a direct impact on the students as she started serving students at the PGCPS Online campus. Teaching is her passion and joy serving is her life.

Every single day and every single class period, Mr. Mirante stands at his door and greets his students with a handshake. His philosophy is simple: if he can make a connection with a student, they will succeed in his class. Students look forward to his class because he makes it fun, intriguing, and original. Who doesn’t want to karaoke on Fridays or play in class trivia based off of the novels we have read? Mr. Mirante tells his students a quote of the day and life tip of the day every single day.... (view more) Students look forward to this inspiration and will bug Mr. Mirante if he does not say them. He truly cares about his students by listening to what they say, relating to what they say and most importantly… remembering. It’s the little things Mirante does in class that makes him truly one of a kind.

Ms. Reardon is a fantastic music educator. Working in the Chicagoland area for over 7 years in general music, band, and orchestra. She takes programs that have nothing and make them into ones that are highly sought after. Her drive and dedication to her students are unparalleled. Ms. Reardon deserves the world for all that she does for her students. She creates a loving, compassionate, and inclusive space that encourages her students to become the creative souls they were meant to be. Ms. Reardon... (view more) has worked so hard for 7 years, it’s time for her efforts to be honored and a cruise would be the perfect gift to such an inspiring educator.

Ms. Jacqueline Torrero has been a Kindergarten teacher for 33 years. As her colleague and friend for the past 23 years, she has inspired me and others to be the educators we are today. Her passion, creativity, and innovative ways for teaching her students is evident when you walk into her classroom. Her students are always engaged in hands-on activities which inspires them to be out of the box thinkers and lifelong learners. She puts in endless hours each day preparing lessons that meet the diverse... (view more) needs of the students in her class. Ms. Torrero's motivation and love for all of her students each and every day make her the Kindergarten teacher everyone in the community wants. I totally agree, I would want her to be my child's teacher too!

Mike Smith has been an American Sign Language Teacher and interpreter for 12 years. Throughout his tenure, he has taught middle school, high school, and college students. Mike lights up every room he enters. He is a teacher who leaves a lasting impact on all who come to know him. He is the most caring and supportive teacher I know. Mr. Smith is a valuable addition to every environment. He shares his message of kindness and positivity with all. His level of empathy and compassion is apparent, and... (view more) he ensures that everyone around him feels acknowledged and appreciated. Students love Mr. Smith for his charm, silliness, and his genuine concern for others. When he is not teaching, interpreting, or traveling, he can be found attending school functions to support his students at their concerts, sporting events, or school plays. Mr. Smith is selfless, always a reassuring presence, and someone who gives back to others. Mr. Smith deserves this cruise for all he has done and continues to do to make the world a better place!

Ms. Fils-Aime is a certified media specialist and was voted the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year by her peers at her school. Her dedication is unparalleled. She has always shown her commitment to her students, staff and parents. She is a media specialist who encourages her students to broaden their reading horizons to achieve ultimate academic success. This year, she hosted a themed Beauty & The Beast Book Tasting event (she dressed up as Belle every day for a week!) This event exposed her students... (view more) to different genres of books and had them ecstatic to go to the media center to check out the new titles they saw! Ms. Fils-Aime also wears many, many hats at her school. Whether it’s helping someone with technology or assisting with testing, one thing is true, she is willing to help any and everyone with a smile. She is proud to be apart of the leadership team, literacy leadership team, and racial equity committees. She also choreographs dances for her schools performances and instills her passion for the arts into her students by encouraging them to share their talents with the world. Ms. Fils-Aime currently has perfect attendance this school year and deserves a break! She loves a cruise vacation & there is no one more deserving!

I am honored to nominate Linda Chaffee-Gould for NCL's contest. A special needs educator, Linda exemplifies dedication and commitment, transforming her classroom into a haven of joy and learning. She sees her students' potential, not their limitations, and strives to unlock it.

In her 7th-grade class, she employs creativity to engage students. She believes in the power of experiential learning, turning lessons into activities that are both educational and enjoyable. She spends her personal... (view more) time devising strategies to cater to each student's unique needs.

Linda's passion extends beyond the classroom. She invests in her students' futures, guiding them to become confident, independent individuals. Her influence shapes them into resilient leaders, fostering a mindset that they can overcome any hurdle.

Linda Chaffee-Gould doesn't just teach – she inspires, motivates, and nurtures. She tirelessly works to bring joy and make a difference in her students' lives. An award from NCL will serve as a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary dedication.

Mr. Bren is an all around amazing person. A Military Vet, charismatic teacher, & always has a smile on his face. You can count on him for anything that you need. Especially when you just need your day turned around for the better!

P.J. Battaglia has been teaching 16 years in Broward County Public schools. P.J. has been at Westglades Middle for 16 years teaching Social Studies and Physical Education. P.J. Has been the Athletic Director since 2013 school year. Mr. Battaglia is very dedicated to his students and making his schoo a better place. P.J. is one of the Union Stewards and serves on Faculty Council. He is the 2012-13 Westglades Social Studies Teacher of the Year, 2018-19 Westglades Teacher of the Year and the 2021-2022... (view more) MSAA Athetic Director of the Year.

Samantha Alfred is an educator with over 25 years of commitment and dedication to her students. Ms. Alfred is an innovator developing unique programs to challenge her students to achieve their highest potential. She puts her students needs above her own making extreme sacrifices on their behalf. When it comes to teaching math, she comes up with creative ways to engage her students until they master the concept. Everyone at Narcousee Middle School knows that Ms. Alfred goes above and beyond to get... (view more) her students excited about learning. With tutoring in the morning, after school and on weekends, I cannot think of any teacher more deserving of a relaxing cruise.

Mr. Keery is the hardest working educator there is. Besides teaching for 21 years at one the highest rated Middle Schools in Broward County, Mr. Keery is also the Athletic Director, the Aftercare Supervisor, and the Science Department Head for the upcoming school year. Mr. Keery is very dedicated to his students and his school.

Mr. Bravata is an exceptional high school history teacher who fosters a spirit of curiosity and emphasizes critical skills. His passion for the subjects he teaches explains the selection by his peers to be teacher of the year and the success of his students on Advanced Placement tests. In Mr. Bravata’s classroom, students feel safe, are challenged to grow academically and personally, and are treated with respect. He continues that commitment beyond the school year by assisting former students with... (view more) college applications and job recommendations to ensure they are successful in whatever path in life they choose. When not at work, Mr. Bravata dedicates his spare time as the pedagogical director for the Rendell Center, a non-profit civic education center. One of the many responsibilities involved is leading a First Amendment Institute for the National Endowment of the Humanities where he shares his knowledge and skills with teachers across the country.

My name is Carol Breton Felix, I enjoy seeing my students learning every day and having fun. I always plan my classes with the best interest of my students in mind. I believe that the student learns by doing and by action. This way, learning will be permanent and part of their life. I created projects like, "Eco Club" and "Friends that recycle" and others. The children were in charge of the development, so this club's help create leaders. Being a teacher is my passion. Through the years, I asked... (view more) my students what they wanted to be in the future. I took the initiative to introduce them to the careers they will be interested in and to have the experience. They got the opportunity to interview for example, firefighters, lawyers, chefs, teachers, designer, florists, policemen, architect, archeologists and more. They all had a great experience as it was educational and also interactive. Every day I put my best effort to be the best teacher and human being that I can be. I am very persistent, dedicated, responsible and someone that everyone can count and rely on when it comes to my job as a teacher. I feel very proud in having contribute to their future and that they haven't forgotten the experience they have when I was their teacher.

I've been a Chemistry teacher for the past 23 years, so I have experienced many things. I have come to realize that regardless of the change in times, teenagers still need love, guidance, and structure. I can't describe my inner drive but I do know that each year, I get the most amazing students (people) that I am constantly learning from. Yes, teaching is hard and there are many more reasons to quit the profession than to stay. I do not judge anyone who has walked away from teaching and I honestly... (view more) don't know why I haven't. The truth of the matter is I only have one chance in life to make a difference in this world. I see an opportunity every day to give these teenagers hope and find some purpose in life. Yes, there are odds stacked against us (students and teachers) when we are following a moral compass. But I assure you, at the end of each day I can remember at least one situation in which I was able to be compassionate, caring, and loving and a student genuinely felt it. Although I don't have social media, after doing the math of teaching an average of 100 students yearly and communicating with at least one parent for 23 years, I'd say I was an influencer to at least 4600 people! I'd say that's a pretty fulfilling life!

There’s nothing more relaxing than a cruise, and nobody that deserves it more than a teacher! Third grade is a tough grade to teach, and this year has been exceptionally challenging academically, but so beyond rewarding! What better way to celebrate than with a cruise!

Brianna Perez is a superb 5th grade teacher that genuinely cares for her students. She promotes her students’ growth as individuals and scholars, both in the classroom and through her involvement in extracurricular activities. This academic year, she individually led two teams to compete in the annual Rube Goldberg Competition. Both of her teams’ machines were successful, which is an improvement from last year. From a statistical perspective, her students’ writing and ELA scores frequently... (view more) demonstrate the greatest growth in her school. Mrs. Brianna Perez is a leader in the educational realm and deserves some much needed rest and relaxation to reward her for her efforts. All votes are appreciated!

Mrs. Colón is a 4th grade teacher in the osceola school district. She has worked so hard this school year to meet the needs of all of her students and even spent some of her own money to provide them with fun and engaging activities. She has always done everything without wanting something in return. All she does it’s out of love. It would be awesome to gift this to Mrs. Colón and give her the chance of a cruise experience.

Mrs. Flynn is an awesome math teacher who challenges her students, but loves and cares for them tremendously. It would be great to have such a hard working teacher who has dedicated over 18 years of her life to relax and enjoy this trip.

Mr Brian Campbell is celebrating his 25th year as the Band Director at Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School in Akron, OH. Over the years, he has had a positive influence on thousands of young people. He gives so much of his time and energy to making the band the best it can be, but more importantly he is always there for the kids--no matter what. They know that they can go to him anytime and he will be there for them. Once a student is in his band, he/she is one of "his kids" for life! He has... (view more) traveled with the band to Disney World, New York City, Cincinnati, and Chicago. Next spring they will be marching in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland! He is an amazing educator who gets the kids motivated to do their best in every performance, but more importantly--he is an awesome person and is so very deserving to win a free cruise! Please vote for Mr Campbell.

Mrs. Smith is one of these people that does everything. She wears so many hats around the school; it's difficult to name all the things she does. While Mrs. Smith is an astounding educator, she has stepped into a new role of educating other teachers how to be more effective by giving them various strategies to enhance learning. Not only does she assist other teachers, but she also leads many programs for students teaching them how to build leadership and character. National Junior Honor's Society... (view more) and Project U are just a few of the programs she leads. She encourages the Karns Middle School Values - Honesty, Respect, Empathy, Kindness, Confidence, Fairness and Responsibility every day. Because she cares so deeply for others, she initiated a campaign for one of our own at school. Two staff members' child/grandchild were directly affected by cystic fibrosis. Mrs. Smith charged the National Junior Honor Society to help support and raise money for these families' medical bills. She has been able to raise almost $20,000 over the past two years. Without her, this would not have been such a success. If anyone deserves this trip, it's her. She works vigorously for others in and out of the classroom.

Jenny Lu is an exceptional educator who has spent more than two decades of her life teaching. She is known for her love and care towards her students and is her school's Intervention and Early Language and Literacy Coordinator. Ms. Lu's passion for equity education and diversifying school libraries is truly inspiring. Her dedication to helping children learn and grow is remarkable. She greatly advocates for early literacy, firmly believing that everyone has the right to learn how to read. During... (view more) the pandemic, Ms. Lu followed her childhood dreams of becoming a children's book author to stay connected with her students. She has since published two children's books about STEM and donated over 300 copies of her book to local hospitals, schools, libraries, and underserved education. Ms. Lu is an exceptional teacher who inspires and guides our future leaders of tomorrow. Her contributions to education and early literacy are invaluable, and we are honored to have nominated her for this incredible opportunity. We know that she will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many more students in the years to come.

Mr. Flannery is a dedicated high school & middle school math educator of twelve years. During these years Mr. Flannery has made an incredible impact on his students. He is not just a teacher but also a talented mentor and role model for his students. The connections and inspiration he has created this past decade have changed the lives of many. Mr. Flannery favorite activity is cruising. After giving so much of himself to so many year after year, it is time he gives back to himself! Go Mr.... (view more) Flannery!!!!!

I am nominating my mom, Suzanne Cruz. She is not only the best mom and my best friend, she is an amazing 6th grade World History teacher! She makes learning fun for her students and this makes them want to learn about World History, which is not everyone's favorite subject when they enter middle school. She has a great relationship with her students and they know she is there for them if they need anything. My mom "Gives Joy" everyday as a dedicated and kind teacher and it would be amazing for her... (view more) to win an NCL cruise for doing what she loves!

I am a little biased, but Michele is my wife and she is so dedicated to what she does for her students, teachers and other faculty members. She loves sponsoring clubs such as yearbook, 4-H and this year Quiz Bowl. She love cruising, it would be such an honor for her to win something she loves as much as teaching.

Dan deserves to be "given joy" for more reasons than I can list. Dan has been a teacher for 22 years in the Pittsburgh Public School District. He currently teaches in the building he graduated from and demonstrates a huge amount of pride for the school and his district , always thriving to make it a better place for his students. Dan builds relationships with all his students in and out of the classroom. He is a coach of multiple sports and he recently got re-certified as a national board teacher.... (view more) He has also played a huge role in his district in building GSAs and supporting the LGBT students of the district. In everything Dan does, he deserves to be given a little token of appreciation in return and this is it. He has the same passion and energy to educate students as he did 22 years ago when he started teaching and he is a role model for other teachers in and out of his district.
Students present and past have nothing but respect for Dan in his classroom and athletic fields and I enjoy seeing the excitement Dan has for his craft because he is always trying to learn more so he can have more of an impact on his students. Please vote for Dan to receive this well-deserving appreciation.

Kristin was a litigator for 12 years. In 2016 a local middle school law program was in disarray and needed someone willing and able to step in immediately, mid school year. Kristin loves kids so she made the leap. Two years later, she was Teacher of the Year for the 6th largest district in the US. She created a law club, a mock bar exam, a bar swearing in ceremony, and a competition law program. Her teams, which didn’t exist when she got there, have finished on and atop the podium in state and... (view more) local mock trial competitions. Her team won the We the People competition for the State of Florida twice and this year became the National Champions! Former students visit her classroom almost daily. She gets letters from former students thanking her for the positive influence she has had on them and the possibilities to which she introduced them. Kristin teaches 8 classes -- normal schedule is 6. She has over 260 students and gets no planning period, so all of the planning she does – every class session is planned out and none of them are simply lectures – she does on her own time. She NEEDS a cruise. And DESERVES a cruise. She has earned it by exemplary dedication to providing her students with the most enriching experience she can.

It is my absolute pleasure and honor to nominate Kevin Buck for the Norweigan Cruise Teacher prize. He is an outstanding teacher, director, and mentor to all Cocoa Beach Jr. Sr. High students. He does so much, it is hard to imagine he does not have a clone!! Just this year my daughter participated in the Junior Thespian competition, the fall production of Hamlet, a Night of One Acts, the spring production of Drowsy Chaperone, and an upcoming Theater Showcase. And, this is in addition to a robust... (view more) theater curriculum during the school day!! From the moment my daughter started her Junior High journey, she has said Mr. Buck was her favorite teacher -- and, during this year’s Open House, it was easy to see why. Mr. Buck is full of energy and creativity in directing his classes. Indeed, every drama student I have met at CB Jr Sr has said that Mr. Buck was their favorite teacher! And, equally impressive, the nondrama students also rave about his class -- even if the theater is not their “thing”, they still enjoy the class and grow in supporting the arts. As a parent, it has been wonderful to witness my child thriving in something she loves, and I am very grateful to Mr. Buck for making this a reality. Give this man a cruise!

Mrs. Radtke was my third-grade teacher. She isn’t just one of the best teachers, but she is one of the best people. She has a natural personability that makes you feel welcome. She constantly builds long-lasting connections with students. To this day, she asks me not only about how I’m doing but also how my mother and sister are doing out of genuine care.

Teachers play a large role in shaping who we are, and I would say that Mrs. Radtke has played a major role in not only shaping who... (view more) I am, but who I want to be. Every day in third grade, we had a writing class. We were given boards of writing prompts, like “Write a book.” Every week, I’d spend time creating makeshift paper books, held together with staples and tape. Instead of blowing them off as the gimmick of a child, Mrs. Radtke not only read each one of my books and gave me positive feedback, but she always set aside class time for me to read my books to the entire class. Mrs. Radtke’s encouragement and kind words single-handedly inspired me to want to be an author.

I would love Mrs. Radtke to win this cruise to celebrate her passion for teaching. Her husband also happens to be a teacher, so a win like this would also bring him great pride in seeing teachers being rewarded.

Ms. Magrino is a teacher who truly cares. My son has extreme anxiety and had a very difficult time adjusting to attending school. Ms. Magrino spent her time and attention helping him transition gently, she has spent countless hours with him in person and on the phone with us (his parents) letting us know how things are progressing, spending the time to get to know him and what triggers his anxiety, and extending resources to us including her own personal books to help him adjust. In particular she... (view more) shared with us her own copy of "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn. Every single day my child takes with him a kiss on his hand from a parent to help him feel closer to us while at school. We cherish these morning moments that without Ms. Magrino we would not have.
She really cares about the well-being of her students. She has made herself available to us as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 8:30 p.m., she contacts us throughout the school day as needed as well. Ms. Magrino spends her own money, time, and talent making the kids personalized shirts and bags with her cricut machine. Somehow she has still managed to teach all of her students even getting my son to a 4th grade reading level and 3rd grade math in 1st grade! WOW! She deserves it!

Mrs. Sublett has been a dedicated teacher for over 25 years. Typically teachers who have taught that long are on autopilot. However, she is constantly looking for the latest way to capture students attention and tie it to what they are learning. She has her Mammal March Madness where she puts different mammals up against one another like in the college brackets. Even after losing her father/hero unexpectedly a few years back to ALS, Jennifer continues to pour into her students knowing the need for... (view more) role models. She even recently decided to raise ducklings so her students could experience the joy of seeing them hatch and she already has homes ready for the newborns. Ms. Sublett has spent so much of her own money in the classroom, and has spent countless hours outside of class, planning the most effective lessons. She also takes the time to build relationships with her students making sure they feel heard and also works to not only help them learn the principles of Science, but how to be the best version of themselves in life. She is a selfless teacher that is beyond deserving of recognition.

Erin Brack is a STEAM educator in Panama City, Florida. Erin is an aquatic adventurer who loves the ocean and loves to share her love for the ocean in her district. She has been in the teaching profession for many years, initially as a high school science teacher, then a middle school science teacher and today serves as the STEAM teacher for Bay County Schools in Florida. Erin has impacted hundreds of students and teachers with incredible lessons and professional learning opportunities focusing on... (view more) the ocean and art as a Guy Harvey Education Ambassador. She is loved by her students, admired by her colleagues and an incredible

Mr Lacy is the best teacher ever. Lacy really knows what he is doing. Not only a gym and spanish teacher but is the Athletic director and has coached more than 21 seasons of basketball at the Jr high. He has a very humorous and funny personality that goes well with the schools standards and environment. Dan has been very helpful to the school and making sure all the students feel welcomed, encouraged and respected. He rightfully deserves this opportunity!! Thank you!

Mrs. Almonte is a talented first grade dual language teacher at a title 1 school. She teaches her students academic content in English and Spanish.
Her dedication to her students and the profession is far beyond. She is caring and holds her students to high academic standards. She has a positive impact on her students.

Mrs. Trumbo has been the dance educator at Lincoln Performing Arts School since it became a performing arts school. She helped ti create the amazing program that we have and nurtured it and our students with so much love and talent and this year she is retiring. She is much in need of a wonderful vacation to celebrate all that she has given to this teaching profession over the years and all the amazing students’ lives she has transformed. She will be greatly missed!

Dedication, faith, enthusiastic, strong, are just a few words to describe St Agnes Academy's beloved Mr. B (Mr. Bustamante). During the past 33 years, Rodrigo Bustamante has dedicated all his efforts into shaping the lives of generations of students through education, athletics, kindness and compassion. Mr. B truly deserves this recognition for all his hard work and dedication throughout the years.

My husband is an exceptional teacher. Gary's classroom is a safe space for students to feel understood and accepted. Gary teachers American History and Government at a low socio economic school. Gary has helped get clothes and toiletries donated to his school clothing closet along with coming in on his own time to help set the clothing closet up. When he found out that a student on campus had her bike stolen (she is a refugee) he immediately put the call out on social media for anyone to donate... (view more) a bike for the girl. He ended up getting a bike and a lock for her, and five more bike locks donated for any other student who needs.

We would like to nominate Ms. Styles for a Norwegian Cruise Line trip in recognition of her 38 years of outstanding service as an educator in various school districts. Ms. Styles has continuously gone above and beyond to ensure the success of her students and families, setting an example of excellence for her colleagues. Her hard work and dedication are deserving of special recognition, and a cruise is an ideal way to reward her for her efforts.

Lindsay Dollinger is celebrating her 14th year of teaching high school Spanish at Jonathan Alder High School in Plain City, Ohio. While teaching, she has had many other roles: cheerleading advisor, National Honor Society advisor, advisor of freshmen and sophomore classes, SHH (sociedad honoraria hispanica) advisor and founder at her school, Spanish Club, student council advisor, coordinator of Prom & Homecoming, and more. She has taken students abroad on six trips to Europe, visiting Spain, France,... (view more) Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. On Friday nights, she can be found taking tickets at the gates for football and basketball games. She has spent many hours dedicating herself to service of her school and community, and has made it her mission to show as many kids as possible the world. This June, she is taking a group of 23 to London, Paris and Spain, and has two more trips coming up. Ms. Dollinger's mission is that her students become global citizens who are leaders in the country and world, and she will stop at nothing to make that happen. She is positive, always has a smile, and has high expectations for her students (her "kids" as she calls them). Please vote for Miss "Señorita" Dollinger!

I am nominating Ms. Cabral as an exceptional teacher because of the profound impact she has had on my children. They adore her, eagerly running to hug her whenever possible. Her abundance of patience and love is evident, creating a nurturing environment where all her students thrive. Her dedication and ability to connect with each child individually make her an extraordinary educator.