North Hills Middle School sixth grade STEAM teacher Anthony Burns is one of three finalists across the U.S. and Canada competing to be named the NHL and NHLPA Future Goals program’s Most Valuable Teacher of the Year!

Penguins fans are encouraged to VOTE today for Pittsburgh’s own nominee – Anthony Burns!

The program is presented by SAP, a software and technology company; and celebrates teachers who not only educate students, but help instill values, build character and shape future generations of smart, responsible citizens.

In January, Burns was one of 20 teachers competing for the program’s Teacher of the Month title and won, being honored with a check for $10,000 to use toward technology purchases for North Hills School District. He was excited and surprised when notified of his victory by Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin. Burns, who has been teaching for 12 years, utilizes the Future Goals program to further his students’ love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics through their presence in the sport of hockey.

If Burns is able to capture Most Valuable Teacher of the Year accolades, he will receive an additional $20,000 in technology grants for his school and district. He is now competing with February’s winner (Jeremy Spink of Edmonton) and March’s winner (Donald Conaway, Jr. of Philadelphia) for MVT of the Year honors! Each teacher was selected for their use of the NHL and NHLPA-sponsored Future Goals program, which teaches students key STEM skills using interactive gameplay and real-world scenarios.

The contest is voter-driven, and Penguins fans are strongly encouraged to vote for Anthony Burns through Friday, May 7. To vote, visit NHL.com/MVT! Voting numbers and social media support for the teachers has more than doubled from last year with NHL Clubs and school districts rallying behind their local teachers. Anthony was honored at last night’s Penguins game vs. Buffalo as the PPG Community Hero for the game. Fans, take this opportunity to join the Penguins’ organization in support of our hometown teacher and vote for Anthony as the NHL Most Valuable Teacher today!