Two Brooklyn teachers win prestigious $25,000 FLAG Awards for Excellence in Education

June 20, 2026 - 05:00

Two educators from Brooklyn have been named winners of the prestigious 2026 FLAG Award for Excellence in Education, each taking home a $25,000 prize. Rayhan Ahmed and Shaude Tyson were selected from a competitive pool of nominees for their innovative teaching methods and deep commitment to student success.

Ahmed, a teacher at a local public school, was recognized for integrating hands-on projects that connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges. His approach has helped boost student engagement and academic performance in underserved communities. Tyson, who teaches in another Brooklyn school, was praised for creating a supportive classroom environment that prioritizes social-emotional learning alongside academic rigor. Colleagues describe her as a mentor who goes beyond the curriculum to address the whole child.

Beyond the individual cash awards, the FLAG Foundation also provided additional funding to each winner's school. The grants are intended to support classroom resources, professional development, and enrichment programs. The foundation noted that the awards aim to highlight the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations, especially in districts facing budget constraints.

Ahmed and Tyson will be formally honored at a ceremony later this spring. Their schools have already begun planning how to use the extra funds, with proposals including new technology upgrades and expanded arts programming.