Nominate a Colleague for Hawkins Educator of the Year for Chance at $10,000

Cincinnati Public Schools and Western & Southern Financial Group are excited to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year Award – celebrating its 20th year of honoring excellence in education. 

This long-standing recognition celebrates CPS educators who elevate teaching through exceptional dedication, passion and a relentless commitment to improving student outcomes. For two decades, the Hawkins Educator of the Year Award has highlighted those who set the standard for excellence, elevating what’s possible for students. 

All CPS employees are encouraged to nominate an outstanding colleague who embodies the spirit of educational excellence. The chosen educator will not only receive well-deserved recognition, but will also be presented with a personal award of $10,000.

The top five nominees will be announced later this spring with an invitation to an honorary banquet where the winner will be announced. See below for additional rules and eligibility. 

2026 Nomination Form

For more information about Dr. Hawkins, please visit: https://www.westernsouthern.com/about/corporate-responsibility/community/hawkins-educator-of-the-year-award/

Rules & Eligibility Criteria:

• The nominator must be presently employed by CPS.
• The nominee must be certificated and serve as a current educator within CPS.
• Nominees should possess a minimum of five years of educational experience, with the three most recent years specifically within CPS.
• Previous award winners are not eligible for repeat consideration.

All nominations must be submitted by midnight (EST) Friday, February 27, 2026.