DREAM TEACHERS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

H. NORMAN SAURAGE III SERVICE AWARD

Nominations are Open

for this prestigious award that recognizes a teacher for outstanding community service. Students, teachers, principals, and parents may nominate a teacher for consideration. Thoughtfully describe the activities and reasons your nominee should be selected. The deadline for nominations is June 7, 2025. Nominees will be required to complete an application and submit it by June 29, 2025.

About the Dream Teachers H. Norman Saurage III Service Award

 Dream Teachers is pleased to announce a new teacher recognition award. In addition to the Teacher of the Year awards, Dream Teachers will recognize a Louisiana teacher for outstanding service. The award is named in honor of the late Norman Saurage. Norman was the long-time Chairman of the Board of Community Coffee. The Saurage family and Community Coffee have been very active in Louisiana communities, serving as strong supporters of education. The award will be called the H. Norman Saurage III Service Award.

The addition of this award will help advance the mission of Dream Teachers by recognizing more outstanding teachers in Louisiana, elevating the profession's status, and generating positive news about teachers and public education.

 The award will be presented to a Louisiana public school teacher who has gone above and beyond to engage students and other stakeholders in creating positive experiences for their students, school, or community. The result could be a contribution to the community, the school, the students, and the classroom experience.  Nominations are currently being accepted to recognize the achievement of a single outstanding event or continuous dedicated service over a long period.

Activities could include:

            After-school tutoring

Coordinating charity events or fundraising events

            Represents the school at community events

            Organizes and or leads school clubs

            Performs professional development programs

            Serves on a non-profit board

            Volunteer with a charitable or non-profit organization

            Volunteer during the summer

            Does home visits or other out-of-school initiatives

            Initiated new programs or special events

Serving as an inspiration to others

Eligibility

Louisiana public school teachers with a minimum of one year of service are eligible for nomination.

Nominations

The nomination process is open. Peers, parents, principals, superintendents, organizations, or anyone who knows a teacher who has gone above and beyond may submit nominations.

The Award

The award recipient will be recognized at the annual Dream Teachers Gala in July. The recipient will receive a cash award. A portion of the cash prize will be dedicated to supporting their continued service activities.

Note to 2025 Finalists

Finalists for 2025 will be selected by a Dream Teachers evaluation committee and invited to participate in the annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Gala, held on July 26, 2025, at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The 2025 winner will be announced at the Gala and will receive a personal cash award, as well as a cash award that will be donated to their selected nonprofit cause.