Each year, Above & Beyond Teaching endeavors to recognize and award outstanding California public high school teachers who teach in disadvantaged urban and rural communities and who consistently help their students transcend their academic expectations. These teachers demonstrate a curiosity for on-going learning and use effective practices that result in their students being academically prepared for higher education and for careers. 

Every year, the Outstanding Teacher of America Awards and the Educational Symposium are held in Marin County, California where these teachers  are recognized for their exceptional and consistent success in educating their students, preparing them for higher education, and guiding them on pathways to personal and academic success.