(September 10, 2024) The Rochester City School District congratulates Zach Arenz, a music teacher at Flower City School No. 54, for receiving national recognition from the NEA Foundation. He is one of 48 public school educators being honored with the esteemed 2025 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence.
Arenz, the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, is being recognized for his excellence in the classroom, leadership in the teaching profession, engagement with families and communities, and dedication to equity and diversity.
Since 2001, the NEA Foundation has honored hundreds of exceptional educators throughout the country with the Awards for Teaching Excellence. The 2025 educator awardees will be celebrated at the Salute to Excellence in Education on February 14, 2025, at the Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Five of the top awardees will receive the distinction of being named Horace Mann Awardees, and one will be chosen for the highest honor, the NEA Member Benefits Award. The five finalists will each receive $10,000 and be featured in a short documentary highlighting their teaching practice. The educator selected for the top honor will be revealed at the Salute to Excellence in Education and receive $25,000.
Arenz started his career in the RCSD in 2013. Prior to joining the District, Arenz taught music classes to students in the country of Sweden and prepared them for high school and career opportunities by creating academic and social goals. When he returned to the United States, he worked as a substitute teacher in Erie County.
