a day with friends

The Friend of the Year Dinner.

The Friend of the Year Award was established to honor the rare individuals and organizations who step up as champions for those who learn and work in our schools.

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Scroll down to the Register form. Reach out if you have any questions!  friends@fotps.org.

Back to the Future of Texas Public Schools

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Friend of the Year Dinner

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 5:00–9:00 PM
Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712

Past HonoreesThe Summit

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Back to the Future of Texas Public Schools

2026-2027

Honoree - Teacher of the Year

Friends is proud to introduce our first-ever Teacher of the Year: Jeffrey Neaves of V.R. Eaton High School in Northwest ISD.
 
Teachers are the reason so many Texans trust their public schools, and this award is our way of saying that out loud. In Jeffrey's words, "Students may not remember every lesson we teach, but they will remember who believed in them, who helped open doors to their future, and who helped them see what they were capable of becoming. That is the legacy I hope to leave as a Texas public school educator."
 

From more than 450 nominations this year, the panel's decision was unanimous!

Mr. Neaves stood out to our committee for his extraordinary advocacy for students and for the relationships he builds with each one of them. Mr. Neaves embodies what Texas public education strives to do every day: see potential in kids, believe in them, and help them see it in themselves.

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2026-2027 Network Membership Sign-Up Form

School District Network Membership for the 2026-2027 school year.

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