Since 2000, the B.E.S.T. Awards reward excellence in teaching at the K-12 levels in the Bethlehem Area School District. The Bethlehem Educational Scholastic Trust (B.E.S.T.) Fund at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation began more than two decades ago by a group of Bethlehem civic & business leaders who believed that the work of teachers is so critical to the community - as well as to the students - that outstanding teachers required special recognition. 

Today, the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District, has the honor of continuing the tradition started two decades ago. Today we are proud to present the winners of the Seymour and Sophie Haber Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Elementary Level, the Bernie Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Middle School Level, and the Anthony Ruggiero Award for Excellence in Teaching at the High School Level.