STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Is Curtis High School’s very own Frank Barranca “America’s Favorite Teacher”? A national contest is afoot to find out.
Sponsored by Reader’s Digest and fundraising platform Colossal, the contest highlights extraordinary educators across the country—and Barranca is proudly representing Staten Island.
It all started when Barranca created a personal profile on the America’s Favorite Teacher website, where voters can learn more about his journey into teaching, his proudest moments in education, and the values that guide his work.
The contest invites the public to cast daily votes via Facebook, with additional votes available through charitable donations. Each dollar donated supports DTCare, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on global humanitarian efforts.
* * Vote for Frank Barranca by clicking here.
“This competition isn’t just about winning,” Barranca shared. “It’s about spotlighting the power of education and how one teacher can make a lasting impact. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Frank Barranca, a teacher at Curtis High School, is in the running for “Favorite Teacher” contest, sponsored by Reader’s Digest and fundraising platform Colossal. The contest highlights extraordinary educators across the country—and Barranca is proudly representing Staten Island. (Courtesy Frank Barranca)Courtesy Frank Barranca
The competition is designed to not only celebrate educators but also support charitable causes. Run by Colossal, a national fundraising organization, the contest raises money for DTCare, which helps communities in need around the world through education, employment training, and disaster relief initiatives.
Donors receive a charitable tax receipt for each contribution, making every vote count for more than just bragging rights.
The stakes are high: the teacher who earns the most votes will receive a $25,000 grand prize, be featured in an upcoming issue of Reader’s Digest, win a trip to Hawaii for two, and receive a once-in-a-lifetime school assembly featuring none other than Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Supporters can vote for Frank Barranca once per day for free or purchase votes, with all proceeds directly benefiting DTCare’s global initiatives. Occasionally, bonus voting days double the value of each dollar donated.
As voting continues, Barranca’s students, colleagues, and local community members are rallying behind him. “He’s the kind of teacher who not only teaches but truly inspires,” said one colleague at Curtis. “This recognition is so well deserved.”
ABOUT FRANK BARRANCA
To learn more about Frank Barranca and cast your vote, visit his profile on the official America’s Favorite Teacher website at americasfavteacher.org.
Most recently, Barranca has led a group of talented students from Curtis High School’s “Curtis Night Live” (CNL) comedy and improv club earn a coveted SPANK slot at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), a rare opportunity for public school groups. Barranca, the club’s director and faculty advisor.
Founded by Barranca and inspired by the structure of “Saturday Night Live,” (SNL) CNL is a sketch comedy and improv troupe where students write, produce, and sometimes direct their own comedic sketches.
With enough support, Barranca could soon bring national recognition—and Bill Nye—to Staten Island.