The NHL, the National Hockey League Players' Association and SAP are once again teaming up to honor the everyday heroes in the classroom through the Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program presented by SAP.
Teachers are one of the most important influences in a child's life and this year's program will again recognize these hard-working and dedicated individuals who not only educate students, but help to instill values, build character and shape future generations by giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite educator beginning Monday.
Now in its fourth year, and in strategic partnership with EVERFI, a leading social impact education innovator, the program has been extended for an additional month to honor even more teachers. The Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program presented by SAP will now recognize 80 teachers (20 per month), who have used the Future Goals Hockey Scholar program, from Monday through April 30. Fans can go to NHL.com/MVT and vote for their favorite teacher to win the Most Valuable Teacher award for each month. The monthly voting will then narrow the field down to four finalists. Final voting will take place May 8-12 before the crowning of the Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Year presented by SAP.
"There is no doubt that teachers are such an important part of the growth and development of our kids. Understanding this, we couldn't be more proud to continue, and expand, our support of the Most Valuable Teacher program through our work with EVERFI, SAP and the NHL," said Chris Campoli, NHLPA divisional player representative. "Recognizing and celebrating the great work that teachers around North America do is one small way we can show our support, and we're excited to see the incredible stories of the educators who are chosen this year through the Most Valuable Teacher program."
The Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher program presented by SAP is part of the NHL and NHLPA's Future Goals initiative which is funded by their joint Industry Growth Fund (IGF). In 2013, the NHL and NHLPA established the IGF to support NHL and Club business initiatives and projects, which are designed and intended to promote long-term fan development, grow the game of hockey, and provide educational resources. Future Goals - Hockey Scholar is a free online program that uses hockey to teach STEM (science, technology, engineers, math) concepts, inspiring boys and girls to develop their STEM-based skills in a fun and engaging way. Since 2014, more than 3.8 million students have participated in the program, with students seeing STEM skills increase by 82-percent.
As part of Future Goals, which offers educational opportunities to each of the 32 NHL markets in the United States and Canada, the Most Valuable Teacher program presented by SAP will celebrate these dynamic teachers who have made an impact across North America. Fans can vote for teachers, and the school districts of the winners receive thousands of dollars' worth of Environmental Sustainability Resource donations provided by SAP.
"We're thrilled to expand our Most Valuable Teacher program to now honoring teachers for the month of April to allow us the opportunity to recognize even more teachers for the incredibly valuable work they do to help students day in and day out," said Rob Knesaurek, NHL Senior vice president of youth hockey and industry growth.
"We are excited to once again partner with SAP and have them join us as the program's presenter for the fourth consecutive year where they will provide local school districts across North America Environmental Sustainability Resource donations for our monthly and overall winners that will help students now and in the future. We along with our partners at the NHLPA are committed to paying tribute to our incredible teachers."
In line with NHL Green's ongoing commitment to promote green business practices, and SAP's global efforts to help its partners and customers drive sustainable change, the nominee with the most votes at the end of each month will receive $10,000 toward Environmental Sustainability Resources for their school district. This year's Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Year presented by SAP overall winner will also receive an additional $20,000 donation from SAP to use in their school district toward Environmental Sustainability Resources.
"STEM continues to play a pivotal role in the generation of students who are currently impacting the future of technology, and it's critical to provide resources to support their development. We're proud to be a part of this important program and extend our commitment to unlocking innovation and helping to create sustainable futures," said Amy Schulz, senior director of global sponsorships at SAP.
To further their commitment to the Future Goals program, SAP will also serve as presenting sponsor at this year's NHL All-Star Future Goals Kids Day during the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend in Sunrise, Florida. Local South Florida students who have participated in the Future Goals program, with in-market support from the Florida Panthers, will be rewarded with an opportunity to experience the NHL All-Star Beach Festival and hear from professionals in hockey who utilize the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math daily. Students, teachers, and chaperones will have an opportunity to meet a variety of NHL mascots and participate in all the activities NHL All-Star Beach Festival has to offer, including a STEM & Sustainability-themed Scavenger Hunt.
Carolyn Avery from Bob Miller Middle School in Henderson, Nevada, was voted the 2022 Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Year presented by SAP. For the first time since the pandemic, last year's winners received a surprise visit by their local NHL team that included team alumni, mascots and a jersey, in addition to the financial donation.
"Being named the 2022 Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Year presented by SAP has been a wonderful honor and I could not have done it without the community," said Avery. "I am forever grateful to have a community that supports me in helping students explore and enhance learning."
Go to NHL.com/MVT to vote for your favorite Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher presented by SAP.
