M&T Bank, Buffalo Bills honor local teachers in school and community

Call for nominations opens for ‘M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers’ program

Press Release

M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills have launched their annual “M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers” program, recognizing local educators' outstanding contributions to their students, schools and communities. Nominations can be made online through April 11 at buffalobills.com/teachers.

From the nominations submitted, two finalists will be chosen based on their demonstrated impact on the school and the community, as well as their enduring commitment to local students’ learning. One finalist will be awarded the grand prize, which includes a $5,000 grant for their school, a surprise visit from a Buffalo Bills player or coach, and an inspiring tech talk focused on sports and computer science for their students. The runner-up will receive a $1,000 grant for their school. Both the grand-prize teacher and runner-up will also be awarded a personalized commemorative football and two tickets to a preseason Bills game.

Last year’s winner was Magdalena Sidell, a Spanish teacher from Riverside High School, who continues to make a meaningful impact on her school and community.

Educators at schools in counties including Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Genesee are eligible.

Since its launch 16 years ago, the M&T Bank “Touchdown for Teachers” program has recognized over 50 outstanding educators and awarded more than $45,000 to schools across Western New York.

All nominated educators will receive a certificate of recognition from the Bills and M&T Bank. The finalists will be selected by a committee of community members, school officials, and Bills and M&T Bank staff members.

As the “Official Bank of the Buffalo Bills,” M&T Bank continues to grow its “Football Brings Us Together” campaign, celebrating Western New York’s diversity and the shared values and passions that bring Bills fans together. For decades, M&T and the Bills have partnered on community-based initiatives that strengthen the greater Western New York region and create authentic connections among fans and their team. Fans can engage with M&T and the Bills and learn more about contests and promotions by following instagram.com/mtb_bills.