Educational Destinations Awards Free Trip to Indiana Teacher of the Year

In November, the Educational Destinations team attended the Indiana Department of Education’s Educational Excellence Awards Gala. This annual fundraising event highlights and garners support for the state’s educators. Throughout the night, teachers were recognized for their years of service, excellence in their field and impact on young minds.

Educational Destinations was honored to present a complimentary trip to New York City to the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Graciela Miranda. An educator for over 20 years, Miranda teaches English language learning to ninth through 12th graders at Pike High School in Indianapolis.

Miranda shared how much the award and year of service leading up to this event meant to her as an educator, crediting support from her family as integral to her ability to go above and beyond for her students.

“I don’t have the right words to explain how appreciative I am. The year of service as Teacher of the Year went by fast and it has been the best professional experience in my life. It also meant less of mom at home. My family are the true MVPs as they took on extra so I can serve Indiana.”

The free trip provides Miranda and a guest with a well-deserved retreat to NYC, coordinated by Educational Destinations. Miranda shared that she already had a plus-one in mind.

“This trip is much needed and appreciated to reconnect. I am excited to take my youngest daughter. She is absolutely my NYC girl, she’s got all the vibes.”

Building relationships with teachers and administrators and helping them bring their educational goals to life, coupled with the experience of many Educational Destinations team members’ backgrounds in education, made presenting this award even more meaningful.

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