CAMDEN, NJ – When a large group of education and government leaders burst into Erica Nelms’ classroom at KIPP Lanning Square Primary School on Friday, she looked up in shock and then was overcome with emotion as they told her she was one of three Camden teachers recognized this year with the 2023 RISE Teaching Awards from the Camden Education Fund.

Across town, English Language Arts teacher Iran Mercado dropped into a slump as the group of adults sprang the surprise of his RISE award from the door of his Creative Arts High School classroom.

And, at Mastery Molina Upper School, English Language Arts teacher Reyna Sosa-Gomez clutched the RISE award as it was presented to her.

Vehicles filled with education, city and county officials drove from school to school for a few midday hours on Friday to celebrate some of the city’s most-devoted and effective teachers, who were nominated by their principals with recommendations from colleagues, students or families.

Each teacher was presented with a $5,000 check from the nonprofit Education Fund to be used in any way they choose. It was the third annual RISE Teaching Awards presentation by the Camden Education Fund.