By Ted Hoskinson, Founder and President, Roots and Wings
As the 2025-2026 school year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our appreciation for all the hard work of our Project UpLift tutors and Literacy Coordinators. They do more than provide literary instruction. They balance academics with emotional support for students – meeting the individual needs of every student in front of them. They show up each day ready to make a difference.
At Roots and Wings, we have the privilege of seeing the outstanding work of educators up close. We partner with twenty elementary schools across Palm Beach County through Project UpLift, supporting our students who are reading below grade level. What becomes clear very quickly is that our success is only possible because of the educators who are committed to this mission.
Teachers are the ones that identify students who need additional support and reinforce those skills throughout the school day. They invest time, energy, and care into each child, often far beyond what is visible. At the same time, principals are creating the conditions that make that work possible, balancing the needs of students and staff while building a culture where learning can thrive. That combination of strong teaching and strong leadership drives real progress.
In Project UpLift, we see this progress in our small-group after-school program. In our students, we see confidence grow. We see increased engagement and strong development of skills. Our outcomes are the product of consistent, daily effort from the educators guiding our students.
Roots and Wings reinforces our appreciation for the impact of educators through our Above and Beyond Awards. Since 2016, nearly 2,000 educators have been recognized through peer nominations for the way they show up for their students and colleagues. With the support of our community, we celebrate these individuals in a way that reflects the impact they have every day. We honor the awardees with gifts and gift cards, a signed certificate of appreciation, and a $200 check to spend on themselves!
What stands out in the moments when we celebrate awardees in their classrooms in front of their students is not just the recognition itself. It is the reminder that great educators are shaping lives in ways that are not always captured by metrics alone. Students feel it. They express it through their cheers, hugs, and words of praise.
Strong schools do not happen by chance. They are built and sustained by the educators who lead them every day. As a community, we all have a role to play. Supporting and honoring educators means valuing their work and recognizing the difference they make. At Roots and Wings, we will continue to champion their efforts and invite our community to join us in celebrating the outstanding educators who shape the next generation.
