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Celebrating the Educators Inspiring the Next Generation

Published October 5, 2026

Earlier this Fall, CharterUP asked our nationwide community to nominate an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond for their students. 

The response was incredible. 

We’re proud to recognize five exceptional educators whose leadership, dedication, and impact are helping shape the next generation. Each winner received $1,000 in school supplies and $1,000 in CharterUP transportation budget, while Ms. Emily Ellingford, our grand prize winner, received $2,000 in school supplies and $2,000 in transportation support.

  • Ms. Emily Ellingford: Columbia School District, Burbank, WA [See More]
  • Ms. Linda Lavender: Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Virginia Beach, VA [See More]
  • Ms. Marsha Muñoz:  Pflugerville School District; Pflugerville, TX [See More]
  • Ms. Erica Reilly: Swiftwater Elementary Center; Swiftwater, PA [See More]
  • Mr. Jaycee Totty: La Sierra Military Academy; Visalia, CA [See More]

CharterUP is proud to work with hundreds of schools and districts across the country, helping make transportation for field trips, athletics, extracurriculars, and other school programs easier to manage. Supporting the educators who make those experiences possible is the least we can do.

Watch the video below to see the reactions from this year’s winners. 

We’re incredibly grateful to these teachers and to all of the educators who show up every day to inspire, mentor, and invest in their students. 

We look forward to continuing to give back to the teachers, coaches, and educators who are helping to inspire the next generation.


As you plan for this year and beyond, learn how CharterUP can help modernize your approach to transportation.