Citadel Credit Union expands Heart of Learning Award - The Reporter

UWCHLAN — Citadel Credit Union has announced an expansion of its annual Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program, which honors teachers for the difference they make in their students’ lives. The expanded program will allow the credit union to recognize more teachers.

Since its inception 21 years ago, the Heart of Learning Award has focused on Chester County teachers — honoring 15 each year. This year, Citadel will also present awards to teachers in Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

CITADEL EXPANDS TEACHER AWARD PROGRAM — Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 15 for the annual Citadel Heart of Learning Award. This year the program is expanding to recognize teachers in Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. (Submitted Photo)

The program expansion more than doubles the number of teachers that will be honored at a ceremony in May — from 15 to 31. The award is open to any public, private, or charter school teacher across the region. Nominations are accepted from students, peers, parents and administrators and community members.

“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,” Michael Schnably, senior vice president, Citadel Credit Union, and co-founder of the Citadel Heart of Learning program, said in a statement. “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.”

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was founded in 2001 in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), and is one of Citadel’s longest standing initiatives. It recognizes local teachers who show dedication, and go above and beyond — both in and out of the classroom.

In 2020, the credit union began planning how it might expand the program — an academic year the company said “that challenged teachers unlike any other” year — as more people felt “inspired” to nominate teachers.

“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.” Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, said in a statement.

Once the nomination period ends, Citadel will select 15 Chester County finalists — one finalist from each of the 13 public school districts in Chester County, one from the Chester County Intermediate Unit and one from a Chester County non-public school — which includes charter and home schools. All finalists receive $500 to use in their classroom and are honored at the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards banquet in early May.

Three winners will then be selected from the Chester County finalists — one high school, one middle school and one elementary school teacher. In addition, one high school, one middle school and one elementary school teacher winner will be selected from each of the additional counties — Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Each grand prize winner will receive an additional $1,500 each and will be honored at the May awards ceremony.

“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.” — Michael Schnably, senior vice president, Citadel Credit Union, and co-founder of the Citadel Heart of Learning program

Last year, Citadel tested the waters on expanding the program, accepting nominations from the other counties and selecting one winner for each county. Citadel spokeswoman Abby Brooks said the credit union expects the program will continue to be expanded.

“We are aiming to make the Citadel Heart of Learning Award bigger and better to build strength in education,” she said.

Nominations can be submitted through Jan. 15, 2022. The nomination form is available at CitadelHeartofLearning.com. In addition, posters will be provided to schools across the area with QR codes directly linking to the form. In addition to written nominations, Citadel will also accept video nominations that can be emailed to: CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com.

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