NEW YORK -- A Brooklyn teacher got the ultimate surprise: a $25,000 award for going above and beyond. History class was in session in Kelly Preston's classroom Monday afternoon. Then students, staff members, and the superintendent suddenly filled into the room.Preston looked up, confused. 'Oh my god, my mom!' she said.Her parents, carrying flowers, were followed by leaders of the FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education, who were carrying the giant check for $25,000.
So really going above and beyond, doing innovative lessons, reaching out to students of all abilities,' said Laura Twersky, co-president of the FLAG Foundation for Excellence in Education.Privately-funded award recognizes teachers in all 5 boroughsThe award is privately-funded for public school teachers, honoring an educator in every borough. Including finalists and semi-finalists, the foundation will hand out $400,000 in awards this school year.