In October educator Guadalupe Carrasco Cardona, a member of UTLA
and teacher at Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles, was
announced as a recipient of The NEA Foundation’s prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.

Carrasco Cardona was one of 46 educators nationwide who were nominated for their leadership, excellence in the classroom, family and community engagement, a commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession.

“Each of the awardees reflects the promise and power of public education through a commitment to creating equitable and
inclusive learning environments,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation, in a statement. “All are exemplary educators who have inspired colleagues through their example and made a lasting positive impact in the lives of countless students.”

Carrasco Cardona and the other awardees will be honored at the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education in May 2023 in Washington, DC. Five of the awardees nominated by NEA’s state affiliates will be chosen as finalists for the top national award and receive $10,000 each. The educator selected for the top award will be revealed at the Salute to Excellence in Education event and receive $25,000.

Earlier this year, Carrasco Cardona received the 2022 CTA Cesar Chavez “Si Se Puede” Human Rights Award. The award recognized her commitment to promoting educational equality, her work in underserved communities and her excellent mentorship of teachers and students. She has helped develop statewide ethnic studies curriculum and organized community-wide support for students and families struggling to make ends meet. As chair of the Association of Raza Educators of Los Angeles, she supports teachers through professional development opportunities and helps secure scholarships for Dreamers. She also created “La Trenza” (The Braid), a YouTube channel for Latinx youth.

Visit The NEA Foundation California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence for more information.