Lauren Brazel wins $5,000 and Tinley Park High School also receives a $5,000 check plus a one-year supply of Kleenex Brand Tissue.
Lauren Brazel of Tinley Park High School near Chicago is the 2024 Grand Prize winner of the national teacher recognition program, Heroes of the Classroom, presented by Kleenex®. Heroes of the Classroom — commemorating 100 years of strength with Kleenex Brand Tissues — recognizes K-12 teachers for their hard work, resilience, and dedication to students. Ms. Brazel was selected from among 10 finalists from schools in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Utah.
As the Grand Prize winner, Ms. Brazel receives a check for $5,000. Her school also receives a $5,000 check and a one-year supply of Kleenex Brand Tissue. Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $11,000.
Ms. Brazel has been a teacher for 19 years, with the last nine years as a special education teacher. “As a Special Education Teacher, I am passionate about making sure every student feels seen, heard, and recognized for their efforts both in and out of the classroom. I celebrate even the smallest wins and build connections with both my students and their families. Being able to build those long lasting relationships is what makes this job amazing,” she wrote when describing her work.
Tinley Park High School principal Dr. Theresa Nolan nominated Ms. Brazel for the award and wrote, “On a daily basis, Lauren shows care and compassion yet holds strong to her commitment as an educator and takes responsibility for her students to academically grow. No matter the challenge posed to the student, Lauren knows she needs to prepare and deliver the best opportunities to her students.” Learn more about Lauren’s inspiring story at HeroesoftheClassroom.com.
The Grand Prize winner was determined by a public vote from among the top 10 First Prize winners, each of whom was profiled at heroesoftheclassrom.com/vote. Each First Prize winner received a $1,000 Costco Shop card and their school received a $1,000 check. Additionally, the nominator of each First Prize winner received a $1,000 Costco Shop card. Nominations were submitted by educators, parents, and school staff members.
This program is in partnership with Campus Multimedia, a school communication and marketing company that administers such programs on behalf of national brands.
The American Consortium for Equity in Education, publisher of the "Equity & Access" journal, celebrates and connects the educators, associations, community partners and industry leaders who are working to solve problems and create a more equitable environment for historically underserved pre K-12 students throughout the United States.
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
