Teachers are our children’s most valuable resource. Dan Rather said, “The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” Teachers teach because they care about kids and yet they never expect anything in return. They go above and beyond, they make personal sacrifices, and they put kids first. I believe that our community can make a big difference with our education system by thanking these amazing individuals. It starts with one great teacher.

The Smith Center is pleased to host the Heart of Education Awards after being inspired by a program at The Kennedy Center, which is credited with not only helping recruit great new teachers, but  also retaining the community’s best educators, as well. If there has ever been a time when the Clark County School District (CCSD), and especially our teachers, needed the support of our community, it is now. The Heart of Education Awards (now in our third year) turns our spotlights on great educators, thanks to the support of The Rogers Foundation and companies and individuals across our valley.

Do you know of a great teacher who goes above and beyond? Maybe your children’s current teachers, or one they had some years ago? If these teachers have been employed by CCSD for at least three years and are still teaching now, you can nominate them for an award. Anyone can nominate a great educator. Think about it. Have you witnessed great teaching? If so, please go to TheHeartofEducation.org and nominate someone. It is really simple to do, and your act of kindness could truly brighten someone’s life.

The top 900 teachers will be selected to attend a red-carpet evening at The Smith Center and will be treated to a special performance just for them and their guest. Every nominee in attendance will receive a swag bag full of gifts from local merchants and businesses. Plus, 20 of the top nominees will be selected to each receive a $5,000 cash gift and a commemorative Heart of Education medallion. Want to get involved? Let us know if you would like to donate cash or prizes for our best teachers.

At our second-annual event, keynote speaker Dr. Jill Biden told our packed house of teachers that her fondest memories on the road as second lady were all related to education and educators. Her comments inspired us all.

By taking the time to say thank you to our teachers, we are finding out that it can make a difference, not only with these individuals, but with their schools, as well. It is exciting to see how each school cheers on its nominees and celebrates their successes. Once nominated, teachers must complete a simple application form, whereby they tell their stories. And their stories are amazing. You wouldn’t believe how many of our nominees give up their personal time and personal money to help kids. From helping them buy much-needed eyeglasses to sending students home with groceries, this is a very caring group of people. One of the winners two years ago used a portion of her winnings to help fund a matching scholarship grant for a former student who was accepted at Yale. Yes, she helped pave the way for one of her students, and then at the end of the day used her own money to help him go to college.

We can do more as a community to support our schools. Starting with our teachers is a great place to begin our journey of making Southern Nevada a better place to live for our children and their children.

This spring, we will host another group of top educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. You can get involved. Be a sponsor, or nominate a teacher. You’ll be amazed at how much a simple thank you can mean. Maybe your nominee will take home one of the big prizes, and maybe he or she will be called onto The Smith Center stage. But one thing is for certain. Every nominee will feel appreciated!

 As president and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Myron Martin brings the world’s most revered and celebrated entertainers to Las Vegas. Martin has a rich history in the performing arts business. A proud Las Vegas resident, Martin has received many accolades, including being named among the Vegas Dozen, Las Vegas’ Man of the Year by Vegas Seven, and receiving the key to the city from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.  The Nevada Broadcasting Association presented him the Community Achievement Award and The Public Education Foundation called him their Champion for Children. He is an Emmy Award nominee for producing the Vegas PBS special “Frank Wildhorn & Friends” and is a voter for the Tony Awards.

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