New York City teacher Ian Weissman has earned a 2026 Flag Award for Teaching Excellence. Photo credit: Flag Award

There are many excellent educators who work in New York City’s public schools. Occasionally, one of them earns recognition for their outstanding work. One of these is Ian Weissman, a high school Social Studies teacher who has garnered a 2026 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence.

Ian teaches courses in history and civics that incorporate the use of AI  technology and performance. For example, he has organized an immersive project that requires his students to design and present their own political party through campaign materials and conventions. In another unit, he has used AI tools to create interactive historical simulations which require students to interview historical figures of the Berlin Conference of 1884.

Within the educational community, Ian leads professional development about AI integration and mastery-based grading. As part of the Manhattan High Schools AI Fellows initiative and the Modern Classrooms Project, he contributes to conversations about responsible use of AI, including innovative instructional practices throughout New York City schools.

In addition to the courses he teaches, Ian advises the school’s Guitar Club and the Jewish Student Group. He is also an advisor for the American Exchange Project, helping students participate in cross-country exchange experiences. And as if all that were not enough, he also serves as a Teacher-Leader for the school’s Equity Team.

The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates exemplary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. One grand-prize winner from each of the five NYC boroughs plus one 3K-5th grade teacher from any borough will receive a $25,000 cash prize, and each finalist receives $10,000. In addition, the school of each winning teacher receives $10,000, and each finalist’s school receives $5,000 to be used for arts-based initiatives designed by each winner.