Each year for the last six years, a group of visitors has stealthily stopped in on three Camden public schools with the single purpose of honoring three of the most respected city educators and surprising them as they are in the act of what they do best – teaching students.

The moment of surprise is joyous – for both the teacher and students – as elected officials and school personnel burst into the classroom and present flowers, a trophy and a $5,000 check to the teachers nominated by their principals and recognized by the Camden Education Fund’s Annual RISE Teaching Award. Teachers from city school district, charter and renaissance schools at all grade levels are all eligible for the honor.

Honored by the Camden Education Fund (CEF) on Tuesday afternoon were:

• Naina Batra, who teaches third and fourth grades at KIPP Lanning Square Primary
• Chioma Emeka-Obasi, who teaches chemistry at Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School
• Reese Hart, who teaches seventh and eighth grade science and math at Mastery Cramer Hill Elementary

“Selection for the 2026 RISE Award began in November, when the Camden Education Fund sought nominations from school principals across the city,” according to the Camden Education Fund. “Principals nominated outstanding teachers, who were then invited to complete applications which included reflections on their teaching practices and recommendations from colleagues, students, or families. An independent committee of veteran educators reviewed all RISE applications and selected the finalists. The committee then observed lessons and reviewed teachers’ lesson reflections to evaluate each finalist.”

Awards were presented by Giana Campbell, CEO of the CEF; Jonathan Garr, the CEF chief program officer; and Mayor Victor Carstarphen. American Water Charitable Foundation and ReWorld sponsored the program. The CEF, a nonprofit focused on improving public education in Camden, works with families, school partners, and community leaders to identify citywide needs, providing grants and developing partnerships to address the needs.