Celebrate Your Educational Heroes!
With the Borislow Insurance Commitment to Excellence Award
Celebrating the enduring spirit of educators, administrators, and education professionals who consistently go above and beyond for their schools to enhance the quality of education.
Important Dates
Honoring Unwavering Dedication to Education
Together with Captivated Health, Borislow Insurance’s Commitment to Excellence Award seeks to recognize individuals for their dedication and persistent efforts to improve the quality of education. This award is meant to show our appreciation of those who consistently strive to raise educational standards, innovate teaching practices, and/or enhance the learning environments for their students.
Honorees will receive:
Professional Development Stipend
Featured Press Release
Physical Award
Get In Touch With Us
What is the Commitment to Excellence Award?
This award, sponsored by Borislow Insurance, recognizes educators, administrators, and staff members at Independent Schools who have significantly enhanced educational quality through dedication and achievement.
Who can be nominated for this award?
Any full-time or part-time educator, administrator, or staff member currently employed at an Independent School with students of any grade level from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
How can someone be nominated?
Nominations can be submitted by colleagues working with the nominee at their current Independent School via the online submission form accessible on the Commitment to Excellence webpage (borislow.com/commitment-to-excellence).
What criteria are used to evaluate nominees?
Nominees are evaluated based on their impact on education, innovative practices, leadership qualities, and community involvement, using a detailed scoring rubric.
What does the award include?
Awardees receive a one-time $2,500 award intended to be used for their professional development, a commemorative plaque, and public recognition via press release.
How is the award managed?
The award is issued in a one-time lump sum payment directly to the recipient. A Form 1099 will be issued for the award amount to comply with tax regulations.
Are there tax implications for the award?
Yes, the award may be taxable based on tax laws and recipients will receive a Form 1099 for the award amount. Recipients should consult a tax professional regarding all applicable tax obligations.
When are the nomination periods?
Nominations are open from January 1 through May 15, 2025.
How is the winner selected?
After scoring by a diverse evaluation committee, finalists may be interviewed to understand their vision and impact further before final selection.
Where can I find more information?
Detailed information, updates, and nomination forms are available on the official award webpage. For direct inquiries, contact the award committee via the contact form on the official award webpage.
Further questions?
Reach out to us today.
Redefining Music Education at Holderness School
Dave Cosby
Performing Arts Faculty Member Holderness School
“Dave’s passion for music is contagious, inspiring students and colleagues to engage with the arts in new ways. His impact on our community is truly invaluable.”
–John McVeigh, Head of School
As a Performing Arts Faculty member, Dave Cosby has redefined the music program at Holderness School. By introducing hands-on courses in guitar and jazz, Cosby has made music accessible to a wider student body and cultivated an inclusive space for artistic exploration. His infectious passion has encouraged colleagues to rethink their approaches, while inspiring students to pursue music beyond the classroom. Cosby’s dedication extends to the local community, where he has welcomed the public to enjoy student performances – broadening the reach of his influence and instilling a profound sense of pride and engagement in his students.
Driving Transformative DEI Initiatives at The Rivers School
John Bower
Head of Middle School The Rivers School
“John has created a culture of respect and empathy that empowers everyone at Rivers. His leadership in DEI has transformed our school community.”
–Melissa Dolan, Head of School
As The Rivers School’s Head of Middle School, John Bower has been the driving force behind the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Bower established “community norms” that foster a culture of empathy and respect, empowering both faculty and students to approach learning and community interactions with unwavering inclusivity. His 7th-grade global citizenship curriculum and expanded DEI office have strengthened the school’s foundation for inclusive education. Known for his compassionate leadership, Bower inspires others by modeling the values he advocates, helping colleagues and students alike to embrace change, open-mindedness, and a dedication to equity. His impact extends beyond The Rivers School through presentations and mentorships that promote DEI best practices across educational communities.
Promoting Inclusive Literacy at Miami Country Day School
Laura Maria Rodriguez
Humanities Teacher and Diversity, Belonging and Equity Coordinator for Middle School Miami Country Day School
“Laura’s choice-based reading program has inspired students and colleagues alike. Her dedication to inclusivity and empathy has a lasting impact.”
–Lindsy Hanono, Colleague
Humanities Teacher and Diversity, Belonging, and Equity Coordinator Laura Maria Rodriguez has transformed the reading culture at Miami Country Day School. Through her choice-based reading program for 7th-graders, Rodriguez has fostered a deep love for reading and given students, particularly those of color, the opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature. Her advocacy for diverse resources, such as audiobooks, has provided new pathways for reluctant readers to develop their literacy skills. Rodriguez’s passion for literacy and equity has inspired colleagues throughout the Humanities Department to implement similar programs, and her work with initiatives like the Service Helpers Club and the National SEED Project teaches students the value of community engagement, empathy, and compassion.
Explore Miami Country Day SchoolImportant Dates
Nominations Open
Open Now!
Nominations Close
May 16
Review Period
June-August
Award Ceremony
September
Schools Represented in the Commitment to Excellence Evaluation Committee
We are proud to have the following schools as our partners, each represented by a dedicated individual serving on the award evaluation committee. These schools are committed to helping us celebrate the outstanding educators in our communities.
Phillips Andover Academy
Charging faculty to teach “youth from every quarter”, Phillips Andover Academy offers a liberal education, remaining committed to nurturing a diverse, inclusive community that encourages both students and adults to respect and learn from one another.
Berkshire School
A co-ed boarding and day school for students grades 9-12 and post-graduates, Berkshire School cultivates an affirming and close-knit community, allowing students to build confidence, take risks, and strive to reimagine their potential.
Miami Country Day School
An independent, coeducational, and nonprofit learning community, Miami Country Day School is rooted in the commitment to education children both inside and outside the classroom, focusing on providing students with an education as unique as they are.
Phillips Exeter Academy
A coeducational residential school with students from the US and over 33 other countries, Phillips Exeter Academy is founded on the ideal that every student should have access to the very best education, with a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence.
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