Johnston woman honored for teaching excellence

The National Education Association Rhode Island is proud to announce Ponaganset High School educator, Lisa Tvenstrup as the recipient of the 2026 NEARI Teaching Excellence Award. This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to teaching and unwavering advocacy for public education. 

A Johnston resident, Tvenstrup, has devoted her 40-year career to Ponaganset High School in Glocester, where she has inspired generations of students through a diverse array of history and social studies courses, including East Asian History, World Cultures, Psychology and Genocide.

“There’s something truly special about guiding students through learning – not just filling their minds with facts but helping them make meaningful connections to their own lives,” said Tvenstrup. “Seeing that spark when a lesson resonates, and later hearing from graduates who still carry those insights, is incredibly fulfilling.”

Tvenstrup emphasizes that each course she teaches is designed to impact students on a personal level. In Psychology, students explore self-awareness; in Sociology, they gain tools to navigate relationships. Her World Cultures and East Asian History courses foster global empathy, underscoring the idea that “we are more alike than different.” In her Genocide studies course, students confront the haunting lesson of “never again,” learning that the intent behind genocide can be more devastating than war.

A passionate advocate for public education, Tvenstrup has served on numerous school and district committees, acted as a class advisor and leadership team leader, and mentored aspiring teachers as a critic teacher at Rhode Island College. She sees schools as a second home and has spent decades enriching the Foster-Glocester Regional School District with her time, energy and commitment.

Applicants for the NEARI Teaching Excellence Award are evaluated on their professional practice, advocacy for education, commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, community and family engagement and leadership in professional development. Tvenstrup was selected from a competitive pool by a committee of NEARI officers and members.