Extra Yard for Teachers Week Honors Educators Nationwide
By Madyson Lesley
From September 13-20, the College Football Playoff Foundation hosted its annual Extra Yard for Teachers Week (EYFT), a nationwide initiative that rallies the college football community around celebrating PK-12 teachers who make college a reality for future players, coaches and fans with resources, recognition, and celebrations.
Throughout the week, hundreds of educators were celebrated across the country with surprise recognitions at schools, on-field tributes at college football games, and social media spotlights that shared their impact with communities nationwide. In partnership with the SONIC Foundation, the CFP Foundation provided more than $300,000 in classroom resources to equip teachers with the necessary tools to support their students.
To extend the appreciation to even more teachers, the SONIC Foundation also helped bring the celebration to high school campuses. Educators across the country received Extra Yard Game Ball kits filled with classroom resource gift cards and free SONIC drink coupons.
The celebration didn’t stop at schools and stadiums. National coverage from ESPN, the SEC Network, and the ACC Network amplified the impact with inspiring stories from teachers as millions of fans watched on game day.
Since its launch in 2014, Extra Yard for Teachers Week has grown into an impactful tradition in college football, uniting fans, schools and communities nationwide in celebration of teachers. It reminds us that, just like in college football, every day is game day for teachers!
Quote: Mike Ingman, Principal, Sheldon High School, Eugene, Oregon
"Thank you so much for coming to Sheldon to present Mr. Phillipo with the award, tickets, and check. I want to share that he has been going through a difficult time recently, and this recognition could not have come at a better moment. The joy and energy it brought him were clear: there was a spring in his step that had been missing over the past few weeks. We are truly grateful."