Elementary school teacher Rebecca Hart has garnered a Big Apple Award from the City of New York. Photo credit: Teachers Who Tutor NYC

The city of New York is very proud of their public school teachers. In fact, city leaders regularly honor exceptional educators with their annual Big Apple Awards. For the 2023-2024 school year, one of these exceptional educators was  Rebecca Hart, an elementary school teacher from Brooklyn. In fact, she is one of 15 exceptional teachers who have garnered a 2023-2024 Big Apple Award from the City of New York.

The honored educator teaches first grade at Brooklyn Arbor elementary, also known as PS 414, in Brooklyn. She has previously taught grades 2, 3, and 4. In a career that spans 10 years, she has taught seven of them in New York City. Prior to that, she taught or three years in Manatee County. When she is not in her classroom, Rebecca manages an after-school musical theater program for fourth and fifth grade students.

Rebecca earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2013. She earns her Master’s degree in in Literacy Specialist from Teachers College of Columbia University in New York City in 2022.

The Big Apple Awards recognize and celebrate New York City teachers who inspire students to be their best selves, dream, and advocate for their future; model equitable learning with high expectations for the diverse and dynamic needs of all students; affirm students’ identities, unique gifts, and genius; enrich their school communities by partnering with families, community members, and community-based organizations. The recipients were chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes community nominations, principal recommendations, classroom visits, an interview, and a review by a board of judges. To learn more about the program and this year’s recipients, click on this link to Big Apple Awards.