The Turner Reading Awards were established by the Turner Family Foundation in 2002. The awards recognize three outstanding reading teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district each year.

 

The total amount awarded for the Turner Reading Awards each year is $10,000.
      • $6,000 is granted to the Turner Reading Teacher of the Year, $3,000 to be used in their classroom and $3,000 to be used at their personal discretion.
      • $2,000 is granted to TWO reading teachers who are finalists, $1,000 to be used in each of their classrooms and $1,000 each to be used at their personal discretion (totaling $4,000).

 

 

 

 

Nomination Guidelines

  1. The nominee demonstrates excellence in teaching reading in the classroom.
  2. The nominee goes to great lengths to instill a love of learning to read in their students.
  3. The nominee has made meaningful contribution to teaching reading.
  4. The nominee shows strong dedication, commitment and creativity in teaching reading.
  • Nominees must be full-time certified teachers employed by Springfield Public Schools.
  • Nominations can be made by teachers, peers, parents, students, PTA members, business partners or interested community members.

 

If you know a teacher who meets these qualifications, please nominate them by filling out the nomination form below.

The recipient of this award will be recognized at the Celebrate SPS banquet.

 

 

 

 

Nominations Open December 11, 2025