Meet another round of Black teachers who were nominated with thanks as part of our Black Teacher Appreciation Day celebration. Get to know these ten educators and why they deserve honors:

Mr. G’ahri Gassaway, Tulsa, OK: "Since joining Teach for America and completing his tour, I have watched him become a change agent and advocate for the disenfranchised. He willingly supports his colleagues and has stepped into leadership effortlessly. He recently completed a principal certification and was recognized by TFA and his campus for Teacher of the Year! He is EXACTLY what is needed in education."

Mr. Gary Plummer, Philadelphia, PA: "Gary Plummer, my favorite middle school math teacher, profoundly impacted my life by introducing me to the 24 Game, staying after school so my friends and I could practice, and taking us to math competitions that built both my skills and confidence. He went even further by advocating for my future, writing a letter to the school district that helped me gain admission to Girls High School, showing me what it means to truly invest in a student’s potential."

Mr. H. Lamar Briggs, Natchez, MS: "Mr. Briggs inspired me by always pushing me to be my best while still showing that he genuinely cared about my growth and success. He challenged me to stay disciplined and believe in myself even when things were not easy. I am thankful for him because he did not just teach lessons in class, he helped shape my confidence and showed me the importance of holding myself to a higher standard.

This will be Mr. Briggs' final year as a teacher at Natchez Early College. He is deeply loved and respected at our school, and we will deeply miss him."

Mr. Kenneth McDuffie, Philadelphia, PA: "Kenneth J. McDuffie at Simon Gratz Mastery Charter School inspired me by showing that success is possible no matter where you come from, and by always pushing me to aim higher. I’m thankful for him because he not only taught culinary skills, but also built my confidence, discipline, and belief in my future.

I’d also like to share that Chef goes far beyond the classroom he shows up for his students in real life, mentoring, supporting, and genuinely caring about our success. At Simon Gratz Mastery Charter School, he creates opportunities that open doors and helps students see possibilities for their future they may not have imagined before."

Mr. Georterius "G.T." Tolbert, Mobile, AL: "I proudly nominate Mr. Tolbert, a dedicated Black male educator who mentors, leads, and uplifts young men daily, showing them through his example that they can rise beyond any limitation and become all they are called to be. As his sister and a fellow educator, I am deeply inspired by his unwavering commitment to guiding, supporting, and empowering the next generation to see new possibilities for their lives.

As head baseball coach, his mentorship extends far beyond the classroom, shaping young men into disciplined, confident leaders. The opportunities he provides are exceptional, and I am incredibly proud to see his impact both in the classroom and on the field."

Mr. Deshaun Walker, Milwaukee, WI: "Mr. Walker has been a big change in my life as he has encouraged me to do such amazing things I may not have done, and always leads with empathy and understanding whenever students are going through tough paths. I'm always thankful for Mr. Walker as I genuinely wouldn't be the type of person who's a leader rather than a follower without his support and guidance not only as an amazing teacher but as an amazing person."

Mr. Brandon Wright, Washington, DC: "Mr. Wright inspired me by always pushing me to see my potential even when I doubted myself, and he led by example with patience and integrity. I’m thankful for him because he didn’t just teach lessons—he helped shape my mindset and confidence for life. He is a wonderful person, people love him. He definitely should be appreciated."

Mrs. Anne Harrison, Randolph Air Force Base, TX: "Mrs. Harrison showed me, as a parent, as well as my son, her student, deep compassion as a military family. She modeled resiliency and strength daily while navigating the challenges of working while battling multiple sclerosis. Her reassurances and steadiness directly impacted my son’s confidence in attending school."

Mrs. Annette Griffin, Maywood, IL: "For thirty years in Maywood, IL, Annette Griffin ensured every child had access to the speech and language services they needed, often identifying challenges that parents and classroom teachers had yet to recognize. Her tireless commitment to giving every child a voice laid the foundation for her work in the highest calling, education.“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Mrs. Brittany Williams, Asheboro, NC: "Mrs. Williams has been like a real big sister to me, always showing up with guidance, encouragement, and a kind of care that sticks with you long after the moment passes. I’m especially thankful for her presence as a Black teacher in my life because she’s not just inspiring, she’s a reminder that I’m seen, supported, and capable of anything."