EXTON, Pa., October 11, 2021— Citadel Credit Union announced today the official expansion of its 21-year Citadel Heart of Learning Award program, which honors local teachers who are nominated and clearly go above and beyond. The program traditionally honored teachers exclusively within Chester County, where Citadel founded the program in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit in 2001. Going forward, Citadel will award teachers in counties across the Greater Philadelphia area in addition to Chester; including Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. This expansion more than doubles the number of teachers recognized each year – from 15 to 31. Nominations are currently being accepted through January 15, 2022.
“We are thrilled to be expanding the Citadel Heart of Learning Award to even more teachers across the area. This award recognizes unsung heroes in our community – our teachers – who deserve to be honored and their stories shared,” said Michael Schnably, Senior Vice President, Citadel Credit Union, and co-founder of the Citadel Heart of Learning program. “Expanding this program means more students, parents, school faculty and administrators can nominate an outstanding teacher and share why they deserve this award. We can’t wait to read the nominations.”
Citadel Credit Union is committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why every year, Citadel honors local teachers to build strength in education. Anyone can nominate a deserving Greater Philadelphia teacher starting October 1, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
The Citadel Heart of Learning Award is one of Citadel’s longest standing initiatives, officially founded 21 years ago in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to recognize local teachers who show dedication, and go above and beyond, in and outside of the classroom.
“The Chester County Intermediate Unit is honored to partner with Citadel Credit Union in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Greater Philadelphia area,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. “The Citadel Heart of Learning Award is now available to Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Now, more than ever, teachers have answered the call during the most difficult of times to educate and support children. We are excited to expand the program and hear from even more parents, students, faculty and administrators about these outstanding educators.”
In 2020, an academic year that challenged teachers unlike any other, more people felt inspired to nominate teachers, and Citadel began planning how to expand the program in other areas. Going forward, 31 teachers will be honored annually, and among those, 3 Grand Prize Winners will be recognized. Teachers receive $500 grants and a heart-shaped, glass-blown heart, along with a presentation from their principal and Superintendent. The 3 Grand Prize Winners receive an additional $1,500 each, and 31 teachers are honored at an awards ceremony in May.
Nominations are accepted via form at CitadelHeartofLearning.com. Posters will be provided in schools across the area with QR codes directly linking to the form. In addition to written nominations, Citadel will accept video nominations that can be emailed to CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com.
To nominate a teacher and learn more, visit CitadelHeartofLearning.com
