The finalists were selected for their commitment to multigenerational learning and their success in building partnerships between families and schools. This year’s cohort includes Mary Cluley of Texas, Holly Daugherty of Kentucky, Heather Hall of Alabama, Kristen Kardos of Rhode Island, Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo of Florida, and Richard Roe of Michigan. Each was nominated by peers or leadership for their innovative approaches to fostering student achievement.

Beyond the primary award, a runner-up will receive $5,000 to support their local initiatives. Both the winner and the runner-up will be honored at the annual Families Learning Conference, scheduled for November 8-11 in San Antonio, Texas. Since the program’s inception in 1997, Toyota and the NCFL have distributed $755,000 to fund 59 teacher-led projects aimed at strengthening home-school connections.