Two Brooklyn educators have been recognized among New York City’s most outstanding teachers after earning grand prizes in the 2026 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, with each receiving a $25,000 personal award and additional funding for their schools.
Rayhan Ahmed of Gotham Professional Arts Academy and Shaude Tyson of P.S. 262 El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Elementary School were named grand prize winners, giving Brooklyn more award recipients than any other borough.
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The annual FLAG Award honors public school teachers who demonstrate exceptional creativity, leadership, and dedication to student achievement both inside and outside the classroom.
Ahmed, who teaches chemistry and environmental biochemistry, is known for connecting science to real-world challenges. Through project-based learning, his students explore issues such as environmental contamination, energy systems, and environmental justice.
One of his most notable initiatives involved taking students to Flint, Michigan, where they examined the long-term effects of the city’s water crisis while delivering water to affected residents. Ahmed also helped establish the school’s four-year “Crew” advisory system, which supports students academically and socially while preparing them for college and career opportunities.
Using his award funds, Ahmed plans to launch a student-led environmental justice arts initiative focused on the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, combining scientific research with oral histories, performance, and public art.
“Our brains are wired to care about people and stories, not just formulas and facts,” Ahmed said. “Science is most powerful when students use it to understand and improve the world around them.”
Tyson, a special education teacher in Bedford-Stuyvesant, has earned recognition for combining rigorous academics with immersive learning experiences. One of her signature projects transforms her classroom into a mock polling station on Election Day, helping students understand democracy and civic participation.
Beyond the classroom, Tyson serves as the school’s United Federation of Teachers chapter leader, Student Council coordinator, School Leadership Team chairperson, garden coordinator, and mentor to new educators. She also participates in the union’s AI Ambassadors program, which helps teachers thoughtfully incorporate artificial intelligence into instruction.
Tyson plans to use her grant funding to convert the school garden into an Outdoor Learning Hub designed for environmental education, performances, creative projects, and community events.
“My guiding belief is ‘Students always, in all ways,’” Tyson said. “My goal is to create experiences that help children realize their potential and understand that they can make a difference.”
Glenn Fuhrman, co-founder of the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, praised this year’s honorees for their dedication to helping students tackle major issues ranging from climate justice to civic engagement.
Additional Brooklyn educators recognized during the 2026 award cycle included finalist Lily Lamb-Atkinson of P.S. 373 Brooklyn Transition Center. Semi-finalists were Xue Qing Liang of New Utrecht High School, Jason Luft of I.S. 239 Mark Twain, Julia Munar of P.S. 8 Emily Warren Roebling School, Adam Marcus of P.S. 32 Samuel Mills Sprole, and Michael Peterson of P.S. 297 Stockton Community School.
The awards highlight the impact of innovative teaching and community leadership in shaping the next generation of New Yorkers.
