SHOW TEACHERS THE LOVE!

May 4, 2026 was a special evening as the Academy for Teachers hosted our annual gala, Show Teachers the Love!, at 583 Park Avenue. Guests gathered for an inspiring celebration of the impact great teachers have on their students and communities. The evening opened with an energetic desk drumming performance by Lenstrumental, setting a joyful and creative tone.

Academy President Tom Liam Lynch shared the organization’s ambitious goal of supporting 1,000 teachers during the 2026–2027 school year and introduced the Academy’s new Inspiration Index, a tool designed to measure the impact of our programs.

A highlight of the evening was a fireside chat featuring Gaten Matarazzo and his former teacher Phillip Done, recipient of the Woodridge Award for Great Teachers. The conversation reflected on the lasting influence teachers can have and the meaningful relationships that continue long after graduation.

The evening also honored our founder, Sam Swope, and concluded with a moving performance by the Academy for Teachers chorus, leaving guests with a deep appreciation for Sam and the enduring impact of his vision.

Show Teachers the Love! is the Academy for Teachers’ only fundraising event of the year, and we are thrilled to have raised over $400,000 in support of our mission. You can still support our work by purchasing a $100 raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three NYC experiences before the raffle closes on May 31, or by making a donation.