Changing Lives Through Education

Each year, the College Football Playoff Foundation honors teachers who go above and beyond in their communities with the Extra Yard for Teachers award. 

This year, Mr. Shaun Phillips of Imagine Foundations Morningside Public Charter School in Forestville, Maryland, was nominated for the award by Bianca Benjamin, Maryland’s Coordinator of Business Operations.

“Shaun Phillips is an exceptional math teacher who has been a great influence in our educational community,” Benjamin said, “His unwavering commitment to fostering a love for learning and encouraging students to excel beyond their perceived limitations is truly inspiring.”  

Mr. Phillips regularly challenges his students to think outside the box, motivating them to explore complex math concepts and embrace the beauty of problem-solving. He even teaches them to play chess and how to assess the stock market! 

He teaches his students vital life skills that empower them to take ownership of their learning journey. Through thoughtful guidance, he nurtures their abilities to set goals, manage their time effectively, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.  Mr. Phillips spent this past summer writing a book for young black male empowerment and designing an online math game for students to build their skills. “Education is not just his career, it’s his passion!”

Phillips is a 6th-grade math and science teacher at Imagine Foundations at Morningside. His care for his students stretches well beyond the classroom.

“Being recognized by the University of Maryland is incredibly meaningful to me,” Phillips said. “To know that such a prestigious institution sees the impact I’m making with students in Prince George’s County makes me feel both honored and inspired. Every day, I show up for my students and my community with the belief that education can change lives, and moments like this affirm that the work is truly worth it.”

Phillips was presented with a check for $2,000, a UMD swag bag with gear, and tickets to the Terps football game against Washington on Oct. 4th. 

“Seeing that big check for the first time was an absolute shock,” Phillips said. “It was one of those moments that almost doesn’t feel real at first. The initial surprise quickly turned into excitement and joy, because it was a reminder that the hard work, long hours, and dedication I’ve been putting into the community and our kids are not only noticed, but valued.”

Phillips' initiatives toward bettering education and his community impact include his personal company that is focused on innovation in modern education. 

“This award will not only encourage me personally, but it will also allow me to expand my efforts in ways that will directly benefit students,” Phillips said. “One of my biggest goals is to grow my education technology company, Progression. Through Progression, I plan to build innovative tools and resources that help children and schools advance in all subject areas, from mathematics to reading.”

The mission is simple but powerful: to help students progress — academically, socially, and personally — by equipping them with engaging, high-quality learning experiences.

“This support gives me the momentum to take the next step toward making that vision a reality, and it will help me continue pouring into the community in impactful and lasting ways. I hope that Progression can ultimately serve as a catalyst for raising student achievement, supporting teachers, and inspiring young learners to see themselves as capable and brilliant.”

According to its website, the Extra Yard for Teachers Program has raised over $92 million in support of education, giving back to more than 650,000 teachers, impacting over 13 million students through its donations, and benefiting over 81,000 schools nationwide. 

Colby Williams, Maryland’s Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development, was on hand to surprise Phillips with the award. Williams said that providing support for Mr. Phillips was an excellent opportunity to showcase Maryland Athletics’ support for teachers in the community.  

“Working on this initiative hit closer to home for me and was an honor,” he said. “My mother and brother are both teachers, so I know how often teachers work tirelessly with no recognition or acknowledgement of their impact. It was amazing to provide Mr. Phillips with this spotlight and see how excited his colleagues were for him. I am happy he can use this award to support his classroom and the school at Imagine Foundations at Morningside!”

Phillips was surprised by the award after a staff meeting, through the support of Maryland Athletics, Extra Yard for Teachers, and the College Football Playoff Foundation. Phillips will be able to continue changing the lives of his students and providing them with the best possible educational opportunities.