The Discovery Education Awards celebrate districts, schools, and educators who accelerate student achievement by tapping into learners’ natural curiosity and passion for discovery. These awards recognize teams and individuals who design engaging, personalized instruction that sparks exploration and supports growth for all students.
In May 2024, the inaugural Discovery Education Awards honored U.S. districts, schools, and educators that demonstrated measurable impact on student learning by adapting instruction to increase curiosity, engagement, and academic progress. Recipients were chosen through a competitive nomination and application process that emphasized meaningful evidence of student growth and a commitment to inclusive, student-centered practices. The 2024 award recipients are listed below.
Districts of the Year
- Kansas City School District, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collier – Missouri
- Pasco County School District, Superintendent Dr. Kurt S. Browning – Florida
- Richland County School District Two, Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore – South Carolina
Schools of the Year
- Franklin Regional Intermediate School, Principal Dr. Robert Buffone – Murrysville, Pennsylvania
- Madison Rose Lane Elementary School, Principal Mr. Andre’ Reyes – Phoenix, Arizona
Educators of the Year
- McKenna Akane, Middle School Educator, Alberton School District – Montana
- Frank Bogden, Instructional Facilitator of Technology, Loudoun County Public Schools – Virginia
- Rodney Crouse, Elementary School Educator, Guilford County Schools – North Carolina
- Debbie Martin, Instructional Technology Coach, Frederick County Public Schools – Virginia
- Rita Mortenson, Educational Technology Coach, Verona Area School District – Wisconsin
These recipients exemplify a range of approaches to improving instruction and student outcomes. Some districts focused on systemwide professional learning and technology integration to provide consistent, high-quality experiences. Awarded schools highlighted hands-on, inquiry-driven projects that invite students to investigate real-world problems. Honored educators demonstrated leadership in differentiating instruction, coaching peers, and creating classroom environments where curiosity leads the learning journey.
To learn more about these winners and their approaches, visit the Discovery Education Awards website or consult Discovery Education’s online resources for case studies and award highlights. These materials offer practical examples that leaders and teachers can adapt to their own classrooms and districts.
“The districts, schools, and educators we honor today with the Discovery Education Awards share this goal and go above and beyond the call of duty to nurture student curiosity and drive the academic success of all learners,” said Jeremy Cowdrey, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Congratulations to all who participated in this inaugural event. Discovery Education is proud to be your collaborative partner as you work to capture students’ attention, inspire exploration, and achieve ambitious learning goals.”
Discovery Education selected winners based on demonstrated impact, innovation in teaching and learning, and a clear focus on equity and access. The evaluation considered how instructional strategies were personalized to meet diverse student needs, how curiosity and student voice were centered in learning experiences, and how teams measured success through student growth and engagement metrics.
The award also highlights the importance of partnerships and scalable practices. Many finalists shared strategies for professional learning, curricular resources, and data-informed coaching that other districts and schools can replicate. By sharing these approaches, the Discovery Education Awards aim to lift promising practices that improve outcomes for learners across different communities and contexts.
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com and explore the organization’s award-winning content, classroom tools, and instructional supports. Stay connected with Discovery Education on social media—X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook—to receive updates about programs, professional learning opportunities, and future award cycles.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global leader in educational technology, providing a digital platform that supports learning wherever it happens. Through multimedia content, instructional supports, classroom tools, and strategic partnerships, Discovery Education empowers educators to deliver equitable, engaging learning experiences that support higher academic achievement. The organization partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to bring proven edtech solutions into classrooms and to support teachers as they implement student-centered instruction. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.