2023 Teacher Innovator Award Winners

Immersing Award Winners in Innovation

2023 marked the tenth year of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards, presented by RTX. Each year, a panel of judges selects ten grand prize winners using a set of stringent criteria. Their prize? A week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to The Henry Ford, a selection of merchandise from its three venues, and $1,500 in gift cards to use towards classroom supplies. Check out the press release to learn more about the program here.

Teacher Innovator Award Winners for 2023 outside of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation standing on the lawn in front of the sign

The Learning & Engagement team hosted this year’s winners from July 17-21, for a week-long innovation immersion experience. This year, the winners came from Georgia, Illinois, Alabama, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Wisconsin, and New Jersey and represented grade levels preK-12 and all subject areas.

Grand Prize Winners:

Brian Copes
Samantha Samuels
Lisa Werner
Cari Barocas
Harry Preston V
Amanda Exley Lower
Holly Whitt
Bruce Williams
Mike Farmer
Vida Cantieri

First Place Winners:

David Edelman
Amy Ely
Tina Gleason
Dawn Haught
Beatrix Hutton
Elizabeth Jorgensen
Kristie Letter
Lalitha Murali
Jon Schrage
Dipali Vaughn

Exploring The Henry Ford

While onsite, winners participated in behind-the-scenes tours with curators from The Henry Ford and explored the museum, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory, and the Main Storage Building. They also learned about inHub and the many resources available on its platform and participated in hands-on activities. On their last day, the winners had one last celebratory meal at Eagle Tavern.

Teacher Innovator Award winners listening to a lecture

Teacher Innovator Award winners take a tour of The Henry Ford

Teacher Innovator Award winners working on a group activity

Celebrate Innovative Educators

On July 20, we recognized this year’s winners during the official awards ceremony held in the Innovation Studio where they each received a certificate and special glass award. Each one of these educators exemplifies the habits of an innovator in their classrooms by inspiring their students to challenge the rules and take risks, to be collaborative and empathetic, and to learn the value of staying curious and learning from failure.

Teacher Innovator Award winners accepting their awards at the ceremony

Supporting Educators Nationwide

We are honored to have opportunities like this to connect with educators from across the country and recognize them for their constant work to empower their students in innovative ways. We thank RTX for their generous support that makes this program possible. Congratulations to our 2023 Teacher Innovator Award winners!