What is the Sunshine for Teachers Sponsored by Tropical Smoothie Cafe Contest?

The Sunshine for Teachers Contest is a skill-based contest based on nominations of teachers. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is celebrating teachers that spread sunshine in their classroom and make an impact in their community! You can nominate a teacher who deserves to be celebrated for the difference they have made.

How do you nominate a teacher for the Sunshine for Teachers contest?

You can go to www.sunshineforteachers.com and follow the instructions provided to fully complete and submit your Registration Form. The nomination will include a response to the three (3) questions (each in 300 words or less, to be written in English), describing why this Teacher deserves to be nominated for the Sunshine for Teachers Contest (“Entry” and, if in the plural, “Entries”).

Once the Entry is completed and submitted, the Entry is final and may not be modified or edited.

What teachers/what type of teachers are eligible to win?

Tropical Smoothie Cafe wants to celebrate all teachers making an impact on the lives of others.

For the purpose of this Contest, a Teacher is being defined as a professional educator who works with students as a whole class in a classroom, in small groups in a resource room, or one-on-one inside or outside a regular classroom. This includes student teachers, teachers’ aides, administrators, nurses, guidance counselors and paraprofessionals.

Teachers must be the legal age of majority or at least eighteen (18) years old, and currently employed at a public or private school that educates children between the grades of K-12 and that is located in the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia and within a 20-mile radius of a Tropical Smoothie Cafe location.

Eligible teachers must be an active teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

What will the winners receive?

One (1) grand prize winner will receive:

• A tropical summer vacation valued up to $10,000* and Free Smoothies for a Year* for the winning teacher.

• $1,000 and a smoothie party* for the winning school 

• Free Smoothies for a Year* for the Nominator  

• PR Recognition and onsite celebration at the winning school

Up to nineteen (19) will be declared first-prize winners and will receive:

• $1,000 and Free Smoothies for a Year* for the winning teacher

• $1,000 and a smoothie party* for the winning school

• Free Smoothies for a Year* for the Nominator

*All prizes are subject to the terms and conditions described in the Official Rules.

Why is Tropical Smoothie Cafe doing this contest?

Tropical Smoothie Cafe believes that teachers deserve to be celebrated for Spreading Sunshine in their communities.

The contest encourages nominations from school communities, highlighting inspiring stories of educators who make a difference and bring joy to those around them. Whether through acts of kindness, innovative teaching, or going the extra mile, these stories highlight the powerful, positive impact teachers have every day.

By inviting nominations from guests, families, and teachers, Tropical Smoothie Cafe aims to honor and bring visibility to those who truly Spread Sunshine in schools and local communities.

Who is allowed to submit a nomination?

Nominations will be accepted from individuals who are age 18 or older and who are legal residents of, and who physically reside in, the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia.

How is the contest judged?

The Sunshine for Teachers contest will occur in two (2) phases:

1. Submission Period (2/28/25-4/1/25)

2. Public Vote (4/28/25-5/9/25)

At the end of the Submission Period, up to twenty (20) finalists will be identified, based on the judging procedure and criteria outlined below:

1) Originality (0-30 points)

2) Level of inspiration and joy displayed by nominee (0-30 points)

3) Degree to which the nominee is a positive influence on their students, community and/or school (0-40 points).

Up to twenty (20) finalists will advance to a Public Vote, where the one (1) finalist with the highest score will be declared the Grand Prize winner.

When will the winners be notified?

Winners will be notified approximately five business days following the conclusion of the public voting period on May 9, 2025.  

Will a teacher know that they’ve been nominated?

Yes! This contest hopes to encourage teachers to continue to spread their sunshine! Each nominated teacher will receive an anonymous notification that they have been recognized by someone for Spreading Sunshine within their school and community.

You can make multiple nominations to continue to encourage the teachers who have made an impact in your life.