WASHINGTON, D.C — Sonia Galaviz, a fifth-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary School, accepted the National Education Association (NEA) Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence and a $25,000 prize on Friday. She accepted the award on stage in front of 900 guests in Washington, D.C., during the NEA Foundation’s gala.

“Sonia has been selected for this award by her peers for attaining the highest teaching standards, as illustrated by her exemplary instruction, advocacy for the profession, and staunch support of public education,” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation.

Galaviz was nominated by the Idaho Education Association and was one of five finalist for the award.

“Teaching with courage is not the path of least resistance,” Galaviz said. “Without a doubt, it is a challenging journey that strengthens our intention to be the teachers we want to be, to take risks in the same fashion we ask our students to, and to elevate our classrooms to a station beyond the current trends and buzzwords.”

Galaviz has been teaching for 15 years and has earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boise State University.

FURTHER READING:

Click here to read Idaho Education News’ profile of Galaviz.