Josh Stumpenhorst, 6th grade Language Arts and Social Science teacher at Lincoln Jr. High School in Naperville Illinois was recently named one of 38 public school educators who will receive the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence – one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for public educators.
The educators will be honored at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, DC on February 8, 2013. Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the gala attracts more than 850 of the nation’s leaders from public education, philanthropy, and the private sector.
“We give these awards annually to honor and promote excellence in education and to elevate the profession. Educators like these are critical to their students’ academic success, and they deserve national recognition,” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation.
“We are thrilled that California Casualty has joined us again this year to pay tribute to educators who are making such a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across the country.”
Beau Brown, President and CEO of California Casualty, said, “Educating our youth is critically important. California Casualty is proud to partner with the NEA Foundation to pause and celebrate excellence in teaching.”
Illinois Education Association (IEA) nominated Stumpenhorst for the honor. His school will also receive an award of $650. From the 38 state awardees, five finalists will be selected to receive $10,000 cash awards. At the conclusion of the Washington, DC gala, one finalist will be named the nation’s top educator and receive an additional $25,000.
Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty is a 97 year-old company providing auto and home insurance products, and others, to educators, law enforcement, fire fighters and nurses in 44 states. Learn more at www.calcas.com.
