The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching today announced its 2026 class of winners, recognizing 10 extraordinary educators across New York City public schools. In Queens, the winners are: 

Trevor Charles, Queens Collegiate (Queens) 

Ariel Sacks, The Renaissance Charter School Jackson Heights (Queens) 

Greg Zimdahl, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria (Queens) 

Now in its second year, the award saw nominations increase by more than 250% as eligibility expanded citywide to all full-time New York City public school teachers. This year’s winners represented all five boroughs across a range of grades and subject areas. Selected through a rigorous review process, they were recognized for their embodiment of the award’s core values: excellence in instruction, leadership in the school community, innovation and continuous learning, use of evidence and data in teaching, and the ability to foster engagement and a love of learning. 

Named in honor of renowned investor and philanthropist Julian Robertson, the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching was established by Coleman Family Ventures, in partnership with Tiger Foundation, to celebrate and recognize the outstanding educators whose work changes lives every day. 

“Teachers give so much of themselves to our children and our city, yet their work is too often overlooked and under rewarded,” said Chase Coleman, Founder of Tiger Global and Coleman Family Ventures. “We created this award to help change that and shine a light on educators whose contributions rarely receive the recognition they deserve. This was a cause Julian cared deeply about, and one that reflected his own belief in the enduring influence of mentorship and community.” 

Each winner received an unrestricted cash prize of $20,000 and was honored, alongside their schools, at a celebratory event held in Midtown Manhattan. 

The award also recognized a group of exceptional finalists, each of whom received a cash prize of $5,000. In Queens: Candace Baker, Forte Preparatory Academy Charter School (Queens). 

For more information about the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2026-2027 nomination process, please visit julianrobertsonaward.org. 

 

 

Top Row (Left to Right): Greg Zimdahl, Sean McFadden; Bottom Row (Left to Right): Rachel Mancini, Lisa Lu, Samantha Quiñones, Trevor Charles, Leah Clark, Erika Stafne, Ariel Sacks; Not Pictured: Briana Nieto-Buie