Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) announced Tuesday that Dr. Mallory Becker, an assistant principal at Gainesville High School (GHS), has been awarded the 2025 Yale Educator Award.  

According to a letter to Becker from Yale University, the award “recognizes teachers and counselors from around the world who inspire and support their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence.” 

A committee of Yale admissions officers reviewed hundreds of nominations and chose the recipients of this year’s awards, according to an ACPS press release.  

Becker was nominated for the award by former GHS student and current Yale freshman Yoo-Min Koh. 

Koh, who will be majoring in molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale, with plans to pursue a career in medicine or research, said Becker supported him in many ways during his time at GHS. This included pushing him to take more advanced classes, helping him earn both local and national scholarships and supporting his tutoring outreach program. 

“Dr. Becker has been behind the scenes of almost everything I’ve accomplished in high school,” Koh said in the release. “What she did made a huge difference in what I was able to achieve. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her help.” 

Becker said when she received the notification, she was “genuinely touched.” 

“It felt good that I had made a difference for this student, and I know he’s going to go far, whatever he chooses to do,” she said in the release. 

Becker said the award drives home the fact that any interactions educators have with students can have a significant impact.  

“Every interaction counts, so make it as positive as you can,” she said. “Really listen and make sure the student feels heard and feels that you care about them.”