Herzog Foundation Celebrates Excellence in Christian Education at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Herzog Foundation hosted its third annual Excellence in Christian Education Awards on September 21 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This year, the Foundation recognized 12 Teachers of the Year in addition to two Homeschool Cooperatives of the Year for their exceptional contributions to Christian education.

“Each of our 2024 Christian Teachers and Cooperatives of the Year has made a remarkable impact on Christian education, their schools, students, and communities. Everyone brings a unique story and skill to the table,” said Herzog Foundation President Darrell Jones during the awards ceremony. “We invite you to learn their stories and help us celebrate. This group is truly worthy of recognition.”


2024 Teachers of the Year

Jacob Baker (River Oak Christian Academy – Jefferson City, MO)
Rachel Burrow (Bob Jones Academy – Greenville, SC)
Staci Hadel (St. Ann Catholic School – Prairie Village, KS)
Mari Koester (St. John’s Lutheran – Denver, CO)
John McWilliams (Providence Classical Christian Academy – Rogers, AR)
Julie Pickard (Des Moines Christian School – Urbandale, IA)
Gregg Preston (Hillcrest Lutheran Academy – Fergus Falls, MN)
Jayme Reese (Prodigy Leadership Academy – Cape Girardeau, MO)
Erin Seitz (Lincoln Lutheran High School – Lincoln, NE)
Jennifer Tonkinson (Valley Christian Schools – Chandler, AZ)
Lucas Vieira (Beacon Hill Classical Academy – Camarillo, CA)
Courtney Warren (Madison-Ridgeland Academy – Madison, MS)

2024 Homeschool Cooperatives of the Year

GraceLubbock Homeschool Group – Lubbock, TX
Naked Apple Tribe – Warrenton, VA

The 14 honorees come from 13 different states and bring a wide range of experiences. Some have dedicated over 40 years to education, while others are just starting their journey. There are even those returning to education after successful careers in business. Among this group of accomplished Christian educators is a hall-of-fame athletic coach, a news editor, a podcast host, a guitar player, a published author, a world traveler, and more. Many are also parents, mentors, and leaders in their churches.

“We are living through of one the most critical eras of Christian education our country has ever seen,” said Herzog Foundation Board Member Kristen Ansley. “These awards celebrate many of the leaders at the center of the movement.”

To learn more about each of the Foundation’s 2024 Excellence in Christian Education Awards recipients, click here.

About the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation

The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish. 

Learn more at HerzogFoundation.com.