Teach Indy Teachers Reflect on a Weekend of Celebrating Educators

We had such an amazing weekend in Indianapolis celebrating teachers on college football’s biggest stage: the College Football National Championship Game! Indy teachers were recognized in a variety of ways on and off the field. Teach Indy asked three Indianapolis educators to share their once-in-a-lifetime #CFP experience.

Edward Chism – Sankofa School of Success

It is important for teachers to have experiences like that weekend to feel appreciated. We are often recognized at our schools, but it is still hard to separate that from the day-to-day grind. Getting the opportunity to go to the national championship game was appreciation enough, but to then see teachers being recognized was the cherry on top. These types of experiences help to invigorate and rejuvenate teachers. I know it did for me. My favorite part of the CFP Championship weekend was seeing the teachers on the field and in the crowd recognized for their service and commitment. The CFP did an excellent job of highlighting the impact that educators have on youth; we even heard some of the players talk about their favorite teachers and how they impacted their lives. That was my favorite part of the weekend.

Theodor Brannum – Urban Act School

Being a teacher is not an easy experience, it has its ups and downs.  It can be a rewarding experience but it is still not easy.  It is always good to feel the appreciation of others and it keeps you motivated. The game was awesome.  It was one of the best game experiences I have ever had! Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate. It was a great experience.

Kevin Melrose – Northwest Middle School

It was such an honor to finally receive recognition teachers deserve through the CFP Championship weekend. Teachers have been hailed as heroes, and essential workers, but they haven’t been treated as such. Teachers this weekend received the VIP treatment, and were finally paid the recognition we have earned!

My favorite part of the CFP Championship weekend was seeing the teachers on the field and in the crowd recognized for their service and commitment. The CFP did an excellent job of highlighting the impact that educators have on youth; we even heard some of the players talk about their favorite teachers and how they impacted their lives. That was my favorite part of the weekend.

Teacher retention is more difficult than ever this year. Teachers are leaving the workforce in droves. We have to keep committed, passionate, creative educators in the classroom. Experiences like this rejuvenate teachers’ will to support their students, their staff, their community, and most importantly themselves. We have to remind teachers that they are more than just important, but that they are valued. Indianapolis is the place to be for passionate educators! I can’t thank the CFP Host Committee, planning team, and Teach Indy enough for the tireless work that was put into such an amazing weekend. I can’t wait for more incredible programming such as this to come to our city!

I loved the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit. It was so amazing to collaborate with brilliant educators across the country. It was especially powerful to be in person after years of virtual professional development. We are creating a strong community of teachers here in Indy. I am so proud to be an Indianapolis teacher!

Teach Indy is thankful for the partnership with the CFP Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers. While the game will move to another city, we are excited for continued opportunities to celebrate and elevate teachers locally into the future!

About the College Football Playoff Foundation  

The CFP Foundation is the community-engagement arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment, and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.