The Reed Taylor Award
​for Excellence in Human Rights EducatioN

​Nelson Mandela famously said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  With this in mind, the Academy for Human Rights sought to highlight the outstanding work of local educators and honor those who inspire us to do the work we do.
 
Hence, The Reed Taylor Award for Excellence in Human Rights Education was created.  On November 27, 2018 Dr. Reed Taylor was the first recipient of this award. Reed's life marks a history full of service to others and causes that he held dear.
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​​A few highlights of Reed's service include meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and offering support to Dr. King's family after his death; driving the injured on Bloody Sunday; serving in the Peace Corps; and, in 1983, serving as a founding member of The Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo and teaching its first distance learning course. More recently, Reed has served as a Board Member to the Academy for Human Rights and has been a tutor for recently arrived refugee children, ages 6 - 10, as part of the ENERGY Program of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Reed is a family man and a teacher. He has taught in many places, but for most of his career, he was an American Literature teacher in Amherst where in 1987 he was named NYS Regional Teacher of the Year.
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The Academy for Human Rights is proud to honor teachers in Western New York who exemplify Reed’s passion for humanity and service.
Past recipients
2022: Justine Springborn, Hamburg Middle School
​2021: Daryl Helfman, Orchard Park Middle School
2019: Carrie Fey-Daly, Williamsville School District
2018: Dr. Reed Taylor

2022 Winner
Justine Springborn
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On Thursday, June 23rd, the Academy for Human Rights awarded Hamburg Middle School Social Studies teacher Justine Springborn the 2022 Reed Taylor Award for Excellence in Human Rights Education. Justine was nominated by her student Lidia, who describes her as "the most influential teacher I have ever had." She was recognized on a video call with her family, friends, and colleagues and received an award, $500, and two scholarships for two of her students to attend the 15th Annual Summer Symposium.
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"Justine epitomizes the teacher who we all want our children to have. Just as importantly, her powerful teaching is a beacon of hope for not only her students, but for her colleagues, community, nation, and world. We are honored to spotlight her and to be inspired by her."

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​If you work with a teacher or are a student who is inspired by a teacher, please consider nominating them for The Reed Taylor Award.  
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Important Information:
  • Nominations for the 2023 Reed Taylor Award are OPEN.
  • The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and two scholarships for their students to attend the 2023 Summer Symposium.
  • The teacher will be honored by the Academy for Human Rights via Zoom. 
  • Current or former students (and their parents) can make nominations, as well as colleagues, administrators, and community members.
  • Sorry, no self-nominations--nor those coming from family members--will be accepted. Also, nominations of current Academy staff will not be accepted.
  • Please complete the following nomination form by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023.​