Hope Christian Academy science teacher Adina Leon has been named a national Christian Teacher of the Year by the Herzog Foundation.
To begin the school year, the Herzog Foundation is recognizing 12 teachers that embody excellence in Christian education. The brand-new awards program is part of the Herzog Foundation’s mission to advance Christian education on a nationwide scale.
Leon instructs at Hope Christian Academy where she teaches seventh- through 12th-grade science courses including Life Science, Design and Technology, Physical Science, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Earth Science.
A graduate of Capitol Baptist School in Dover, Delaware, Leon earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University. She has been teaching for 24 years. Leon is extremely involved on the HCA campus and also serves at HCA’s S.T.E.A.M. Fair coordinator, the girls’ volleyball coach, senior class sponsor, Student Government Association advisor, and is the HCA Drama coach/director.
“I was incredibly honored just to be nominated,” said Leon. “When the news came that I had been chosen, I was stunned, shocked and humbled to tears. I have worked with some tremendous educators over the years and have learned so much from them. My motivation for teaching has never been (for) praise; I simply want to share Jesus with my students and point them to the Savior through my lessons.”
“Teachers are integral to the success of every school and every student,” said Herzog Foundation Chairman Todd Graves. “Being a ‘good’ teacher won’t cut it. We need Christian teachers who are setting a standard of excellence. Our Christian Teacher of the Year awards seek to identify these exceptional teachers and inspire others to join the profession.”
Terry Denmark, HCA’s Head of School said, “Adina has been teaching at Hope Christian Academy for five years and engages her students while maintaining an active and creative learning environment. She is a great communicator who addresses the individual needs and different personalities of each student and demonstrates flexibility to accommodate as needed. We are thankful God called her to be with us at Hope.”
As one of the 12 teachers nationwide to make it through the final selection process, Adina Leon, will receive a monetary award and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the Herzog Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Awards Gala on Sept. 24.
The Herzog Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2023 awards cycle. If you know an excellent Christian teacher, please visit HerzogFoundationAwards.com and fill out the nomination form.
The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish.
Learn more at HerzogFoundation.com or www.myhopehristianacademy.org.
