Julian Robertson Awards for Excellence in Teaching Honors TYWLS Astoria Educator

The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching honored Greg Zimdahl from The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Astoria, a school in our Young Women’s Leadership network. Jamie Wilen-Spencer from Williamsburg Preparatory High School, a Student Leadership Network partner school, was a finalist.

Originally released on BusinessWire on September 18, 2026

The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching today announced its 2026 class of winners, recognizing 10 extraordinary educators across New York City public schools.

The 2026 Winners of the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching:

Trevor Charles, Queens Collegiate (Queens)
Leah Clark, AECI II Charter High School (Bronx)
Lisa Lu, Manny Cantor Center (Manhattan)
Rachel Mancini, Tottenville High School (Staten Island)
Sean McFadden, Eagle Academy for Young Men II (Brooklyn)
Briana Nieto-Buie, P.S. 32 (Brooklyn)
Samantha Quiñones, School of Math, Science, and Healthy Living (Brooklyn)
Ariel Sacks, The Renaissance Charter School Jackson Heights (Queens)
Erika Stafne, Independence High School (Manhattan)
Greg Zimdahl, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria (Queens)

Now in its second year, the award saw nominations increase by more than 250% as eligibility expanded citywide to all full-time New York City public school teachers. This year’s winners represented all five boroughs across a range of grades and subject areas. Selected through a rigorous review process, they were recognized for their embodiment of the award’s core values: excellence in instruction, leadership in the school community, innovation and continuous learning, use of evidence and data in teaching, and the ability to foster engagement and a love of learning.

Named in honor of renowned investor and philanthropist Julian Robertson, the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching was established by Coleman Family Ventures, in partnership with Tiger Foundation, to celebrate and recognize the outstanding educators whose work changes lives every day.

Read the full press release here.