Citadel Credit Union has expanded its 21-year Citadel Heart of Learning Award program that honors local teachers who are nominated and go above and beyond.

The program traditionally honored teachers exclusively within Chester County, where Citadel founded the program in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit in 2001. Going forward, Citadel will award teachers in counties across the Greater Philadelphia area, including Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

This expansion more than doubles the number of teachers recognized each year. Nominations are currently being accepted through Jan. 15, 2022.

“We are thrilled to be expanding the Citadel Heart of Learning Award to even more teachers across the area. This award recognizes unsung heroes in our community — our teachers — who deserve to be honored and their stories shared,” said Michael Schnably, Senior Vice President at Citadel Credit Union and co-founder of the Citadel Heart of Learning program. “Expanding this program means more students, parents, school faculty, and administrators can nominate an outstanding teacher and share why they deserve this award. We can’t wait to read the nominations.”

Citadel Credit Union is committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why, every year, Citadel honors local teachers to build strength in education.

The Citadel Heart of Learning Award is one of Citadel’s longest-standing initiatives, officially founded 21 years ago in partnership with the CCIU to recognize local teachers who show dedication and go above and beyond, in and outside of the classroom.

In 2020, an academic year that challenged teachers unlike any other, more people felt inspired to nominate teachers, and Citadel began planning how to expand the program in other areas. Going forward, 31 teachers will be honored annually, and among those, three Grand Prize Winners will be recognized. Teachers receive $500 grants and a heart-shaped, glass-blown heart, along with a presentation from their principal and superintendent. The three Grand Prize Winners receive an additional $1,500 each, and 31 teachers will be honored at an awards ceremony in May. 

Nominations are accepted via form at CitadelHeartofLearning.com. Posters will be provided in schools across the area with QR codes directly linking to the form. In addition to written nominations, Citadel will accept video nominations that can be e-mailed to CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com.

To nominate a teacher and learn more, visit CitadelHeartofLearning.com.