Awards for Excellence in Teaching
The Paul E. Elicker Award for Excellence in Teaching
In 1991, Paul E. Elicker, Newton North High School Class of 1940, established the Paul E. Elicker Award for Excellence in Teaching. His generous gift is a tribute to his father, who was principal at Newton High School from 1932-1940. Each year an award, funded by Mr. Elicker’s grant is presented for excellence in teaching.
By agreement with Mr. Elicker, excellence is broadly defined as:
• A deep appreciation and knowledge of a subject matter
• Teaching that stretches the mind of students
• Standards for performance that inspire excellence
The Brenda Keegan Award for Excellence in Teaching
Upon her retirement in 2010, the friends and family of Brenda Keegan, a former English Department Head (Newton North High School), Principal (Newton South High School), and Deputy Superintendent (Newton Public Schools) established this award as a gift to the two high schools she loved.
Each year “The Keegan Award for Excellence in Teaching” recognizes one educator from each high school who inspires students to think—both critically and creatively—and to consider the significance of their studies to their own lives. Beyond these educators’ extensive knowledge of their academic disciplines and warm personal engagement with students, Brenda Keegan hoped that this award would particularly honor teachers whom students say, “Really taught us how to think.”
Thank you for taking the time to provide a written nomination for a faculty member who deserves recognition for excellence. This person might be a teacher (for the Elicker Award) or an educator (for the Keegan Award, also likely a teacher, but more broadly defined to include others who work with students, such as coaches, counselors and administrators who the student feels really taught them how to think.) We ask that you consider only nominating those who have not been recipients of either award. For both awards, please respond with specific reasons, and, if possible, anecdotes to support your choice.
* Please note that after the awards have been determined, these letters will be shared with the faculty member that you nominated.
The 2026 Elicker/Keegan Nomination Form will open on April 1st, 2026