About the Northwestern Schapiro Award
In the fall, graduating Northwestern seniors are invited to nominate high school teachers who have had a transforming impact on the lives of students.
A selection committee composed of Northwestern faculty, staff, and students reviews the nominations and requests teaching portfolios from nominated teachers for finalist consideration.
A small group of finalists is interviewed, and the committee typically recommends several outstanding teachers to the Northwestern University President.
Winners of the award are invited to participate in Commencement exercises in June. Each teacher honored receives an award of $5,000. The winning teacher's high school also receives an award of $5,000.
We are currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Northwestern Schapiro Award. The teacher nomination deadline is December 15, 2026.
If you have any questions about the award, please e-mail us.