9/11 Day Classrooms of Service and Educator Champion Awards
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9/11 Day Classrooms of Service is an engagement and recognition opportunity for K–8 teachers and classrooms participating in the 25th anniversary observance of 9/11 Day.
Teachers who engage students in age-appropriate learning, reflection, or service connected to 9/11 Day will receive official recognition and tools to visibly share their classroom’s participation. The program is designed to be flexible, educator-friendly, and easy to integrate into existing classroom routines.
There is no cost, no grant requirement, and no minimum number of activities. Teachers participate in ways that work for their classrooms.
What Classrooms Receive
- Official 9/11 Day Classroom of Service certificate
- Classroom Engagement Toolkit with ready-to-use lessons and activities
- Digital badge for classroom, school, or teacher websites and newsletters
- Social media graphics and suggested language to share participation
- Customizable templates (graphics, parent letters, classroom signage) to showcase involvement in the 25th anniversary observance
Who Can Register
Any U.S. K–8 teacher or classroom that participates in at least one 9/11 Day activity, including:
- Participation in a school or district’s broader 9/11 Day service activity
- Use of 9/11 Day lesson plans or classroom activities
- Classroom-led service, kindness, or community-building projects
Funding Support
- Classrooms of Service are eligible for and may apply separately to the K-12 School Grants Program to help support their planned activities.
Educator Champion Awards
Following 9/11 Day, educators may be nominated as Educator Champions for exceptional leadership and classroom impact. Twenty five winners will be selected to receive the following:
- Five educators will receive a trip to New York City and a private tour of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Twenty additional educators will receive classroom technology and other learning resources
FAQ:
What types of activities qualify a school for recognition?
Schools may choose from a wide range of activities connected to 9/11 Day, including kindness or empathy lessons, schoolwide service projects, donation drives, student-led initiatives, or participation in official 9/11 Day programs.
What is included in the free classroom toolkit?
Participating classrooms receive a set of branding, recognition, and instructional resources, including:
- Digital certificates and classroom signage
- Door decals and posters
- Ready-to-use, age-appropriate lesson plans and activities
- SEL-aligned worksheets and reflection tools
- Family take-home activities
- Service project ideas and guides
Materials are designed to support single lessons or short-term classroom projects connected to 9/11 Day – the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance – as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
How much time does the program require?
The program is highly flexible. Teachers may choose to implement:
- A single lesson or activity
- Creativity in classroom activities or projects
- Thoughtful reflection or discussion connected to 9/11
- A positive impact on classroom or school climate
Projects do not need to be large or complex to be considered.
Do teachers need to submit student work or formal documentation?
No. Nomination forms may include brief reflections or examples, but no formal portfolio or student data is required.
Is participation free?
Yes. All participation, materials, and recognition opportunities are provided at no cost.
Can multiple teachers from one school participate?
Yes. Any number of classrooms from the same school may register as 9/11 Day Classrooms of Service.
Can classroom participation connect to schoolwide efforts?
Yes. Classroom participation may also count toward a school or district’s Schools of Service recognition.
When will Educator Champion nominations open?
Nominations for Educator Champions will open on October 1, 2026, after 9/11 Day programs and activities are completed.
Who can nominate a teacher as an Educator Champion?
Nominations may be submitted by:
- School administrators
- Colleagues
- Students or parents
- The teacher themselves
All participation counts toward recognition.
How are Educator Champions selected?
A review committee evaluates nominations based on impact, creativity, student engagement, and alignment with the goals of 9/11 Day, with special consideration given to the 25th anniversary focus on learning, service, and remembrance.