We asked, and you delivered! Ahead of Black Teacher Appreciation Day 2026, we asked you to nominate Black teachers who deserve thanks. With 170+ teachers nominated, we want to give space to share the messages each person recieved.

Meet our first 10 nominees:

Ms. Afia Lewis, Yeadon, PA: "Ms. Lewis has always been like a second mother to me, always willing to step up and support me as I've grown to be a young women and student. I am forever thankful for her patience, encouragement, and guidance she has provided for me since day one."

Mr. Alaric Foreman, Elk Grove, California: "Mr. Foreman is an innovative educator who consistently designs engaging, student-centered lessons that make learning both meaningful and relevant. He leverages creativity and modern strategies to inspire critical thinking, collaboration, and a genuine love for learning in his classroom.

Mr. Foreman is an innovative educator who founded Fortune Middle Media and launched intramural sports, creating dynamic opportunities for students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. His forward-thinking approach fosters creativity, school pride, and meaningful student engagement."

Ms. Alexis Scott, Greensboro, NC: "I would like to proudly nominate my wife, Alexis Scott, who has been dedicated to early childhood education since the age of 18 and now serves as a staff coordinator while still spending each day in the classroom as a pre-K teacher, selflessly balancing both roles without ever lessening her commitment to the children she serves. She is a passionate advocate for early childhood educators, tirelessly using her voice to remind the world that they are teachers who deserve the same respect, recognition, and support as any other profession.

Through it all, in her free time, she chose to become a PBS Kids Ambassador for Guilford County; expanding her reach and pouring into as many children’s lives as possible."

Ms. Angela Harrell, Shaker Heights, OH: "This teacher motivated me to start teaching financial literacy to my inner-city students and talk about generational wealth. They are also building ideas for businesses. She initiated this program for our youth before it was a state requirement."

Ms. Angelica Ervin, Mobile, AL: "I’m very thankful for Ms.Ervin because she inspired me to do better in better in life and focus on my career. She is the best head coach at school."

Ms. Anitra Jackson, Nashville, TN: "Anitra Jackson inspires us all by embodying what it truly means to be a “warm demander” - holding students to high expectations while nurturing them with genuine care and respect. Though we serve as her instructors & coaches, Nashville Teacher Residency is continually learning from her and is deeply thankful and inspired by Anitra's unwavering commitment to excellence and humanity. She is an excellent teacher, colleague, mother, grandmother, friend, and she elevates everyone around her.

Ms. Ash'shan'ta Swisher, Anchorage, AK: "She is the most dedicated person I've known. She is always trying to figure out the best way to enhance student success. She does not receive the recognition she deserves. She is the one who is behind the scenes while those in the front get the applause for her work."

Ms. Ashley McGlothlin, Dallas, TX: "Mrs. McG is the first black teacher that I have had in elementary level. She is inspiring and committed to growing me to become the best that I can be. She is involved in my life and shows me every day that she cares about me. I will never forget how much she has taught me and I hope I can be as great of a teacher as she is one day. She is funny, smart, and kind to all children."

Ms. Barbara Isadora: "Barbara used to be my coworker and she works with special needs kids. She goes far and beyond her limits and works with her students to make sure they understand their curriculum. As her coworker, she inspires me to keep pushing in special needs as a paraprofessional to further my education."

Ms. Brandy McDowell, Indianapolis, IN: "It’s not easy being a special education teacher to students with behavioral issues. Brandy does it with style and grace! She is always in teacher mode and looking out for everyone’s kids."

Thanks to all of these educators. We look forward to sharing even more stories of thanks!