Purpose: We seek to honor the legacy of David Kearns by recognizing excellence in K12 education through an annual award to a public education teacher. 

The Prize: Annually the Alexander Institute will recruit a cohort of 25+ teachers with a strong passion and commitment to improving how American history and civics are taught in their classrooms and beyond. Graduates of this program will become Alexander Fellows. The Kearns Prize will identify one Fellow in each cohort to recognize and grant a monetary award of $25,000. 

Award Event: The Peabody College at Vanderbilt University will welcome a new cohort of teachers every summer for in-person classes and trainings. The Kearns Prize will recognize the recipient from the previous cohort during a ceremony.