Above & Beyond Teaching
Celebrating Teachers
Who Make a Difference
Above & Beyond Teaching is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit that recognizes exceptional educators and connects them in a community of support and shared learning. Together, we strengthen teaching, schools, and the lives of students across California.
Our Mission
We are a public charity dedicated to equitable educational opportunities for all students. Above & Beyond Teaching celebrates and supports outstanding and inspirational California public high school teachers, especially those working in underserved school communities.
Our Vision
Our vision for California public education is to ensure that:
All high school students receive a high-quality education.
All teachers have access to support, professional opportunities, and a learning community in order to succeed as outstanding educators.
Educational equity and excellence are prioritized by the public and in educational policy.
Our History
For more than twenty years, the Carlston Family Foundation operated as a private foundation dedicated to identifying, recognizing, and rewarding the most outstanding public high school teachers in California — and using the collective expertise of past honorees to support, retain, and develop the most promising novice teachers.
As of January 2022, the Foundation transitioned to a public charity and rebranded as Above & Beyond Teaching — a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 68-0154752). This evolution reflects our growing commitment to expanding this important work, and we now welcome public funding and tax-deductible donations to help us do so. Every gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Above & Beyond Teaching is generously supported by the Sun Family Foundation, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and a number of caring individuals.
