Legacy Teacher Award
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library is excited to announce the establishment of the Legacy Teacher Award. This award recognizes a K-12 classroom educator for their commitment to instruction, learning, and professional development. The Legacy Teacher will be honored at a formal dinner at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and be recognized for their achievement with a $10,000 award directly to the educator. Additionally, the Legacy Teacher will serve as a model for instruction, pedagogy, and collaboration for the following year’s Educator Summer Institute at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas. Travel support to the Summer Institute will be provided, in addition to the financial award.
Inspiration for the Legacy Teacher Award
The Legacy Teacher Award was created with funding by Bill Poston to honor the legacy of his grandmother, Jewel Benes, who taught second grade at Pearland Elementary for 30 years. “Granny B” inspired a family of educators, including Bill’s mother, Judy Poston, who taught first grade for 25 years in the same district.
The two of them impacted generations, and neither could go to the grocery store without seeing a former student. Both of Bill’s daughters are accomplished career educators; Charisse teaches English language learners, and Cheyenne works with students with disabilities. Several of Bill’s cousins also teach in public schools, and his long career educating undergraduates at Texas State is motivated by all these amazing women.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants will have been a participant in a LBJ Presidential Library Summer Institute from 2024 to present and be an active classroom educator. Active classroom educators are currently K-12 teachers from anywhere in the United States and teach a full course load throughout the entire school year.
Responsibilities
The Legacy Teacher will play an active role in the development and facilitation of the LBJ Presidential Library Summer Institute, the summer after their selection.
They will be responsible for:
- Attending virtual planning sessions to co-develop summer institute objectives and advise on content
- Facilitating 2 content-based activities during the week to deepen subject knowledge and pedagogical practice
- Acting as a program liaison to enhance the participant experience
- Create community-building experiences for summer institute participants
