Today, we proudly recognize 26 terrific teachers who have newly earned the status of NGPF Distinguished Educator by acing 6 or more NGPF Certification Courses. See who has joined the hallowed ranks of NGPF Distinguished Educators nationwide, celebrate their accomplishment with us, and learn how to earn the award yourself!

The NGPF Distinguished Educator award is NGPF's recognition for teachers who go above and beyond to hone their craft in NGPF Certification Courses. By completing 6 or more of these 10-hour in-depth courses, and passing 6 or more NGPF Certification exams, teachers demonstrate an inspiring commitment to professional development!

In total, 572 teachers have earned this distinction, but there are over 200 teachers who are just 1 more NGPF Certification Course away from joining their ranks! Register for your next certification course today!

When a teacher accomplishes this professional development feat, they receive:

• A physical NGPF Distinguished Educator plaque* for their classroom,
• Special recognition on the NGPF website, and
• An exclusive NEW digital badge for their email & online resume!

*Plaques will ship each quarter, corresponding with the NGPF Academy swag shipments. 

Other details:

• This is a lifetime award teachers can accumulate over multiple NGPF Academy years.
• Want to do even more with Certification Courses? NGPF recognizes educators who go the extra mile by completing every single Certification Course, too!
• Want to see your name among the next group of NGPF Distinguished Educators? Get started by signing up for your next Certification Course today!

Click here to celebrate the first 500 Distinguished Educators (earned Cohorts 1-24, announced July 2022)

Click here to celebrate the next round of Distinguished Educators (earned Cohorts 25 and 26, announced September 2022)

Meet the newly crowned NGPF Distinguished Educators: 

Aimee Kerr from Monte Vista High School (CA)

Anna Killion from Colonial Forge High School (VA)

Anna Waters from Greenbrier High School (AR)

Breilyn Rosario-Eduardo from The FLY Initiative / Met High School (RI)

Brent Bernier from D. R. Hill Middle School (SC)

Chandra Wright from Church Hill Academy (VA)

Chris Johnson from Sandwich High School (IL)

Courtney Clapper from New Day Charter School (PA)

Danielle Phillips from Landmark High School (MA)

Ellen Chase from Port of Los Angeles High School (CA)

Emily Brill from Keystone Oaks High School (PA)

Joseph Niblock from St Pius X High School (MO)

Josue Banda from El Dorado High School (TX)

Katy Hess from Fassett Middle School (OH)

Laketra Calloway from Hutto High School (TX)

Leola Rutherford from Girdwood K-8 School, Anchorage School District (AK)

Ludwig Concepcion from Sunrise Mountain High School (NV)

Lynn Paulson from Rosholt High School (WI)

Melissa Williams from Pickens High School (SC)

Michael Marrero from Palm Beach Lakes High School (FL)

Michael Schaefer from Sussex Academy (DE)

Paula Williams from Blytheville High School-New Tech (AR)

Stacy Eyton from Melissa High School (TX)

Susan LaPierre from Plattsburgh High School (NY)

Travis Towne from Lenoir County Early College High School (NC)

Winsome Wynter from Rutgers University (NJ)

About the Authors

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.

Christian Sherrill

Former teacher, forever financial education nerd. As NGPF's Director of Growth & Advocacy, Christian is laser-focused on our mission to guarantee all students a rigorous personal finance course before crossing the high school graduation stage. Having paid down over $40k in student loans in the span of 3 years - while living in the Bay Area on an entry level teacher's salary - he's eager to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls one semester at a time.