Honored for outstanding and innovative work in education

Cottonwood founders Sara and Christopher Taleff were presented with a proclamation by NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler at the opening of our spring learner showcase, Changemakers.

Changemakers

A community celebrated

The Changemakers showcase brought together Cottonwood learners, families, supporters, and neighbors to witness the creative and intellectual work of our “young people”. It was a fitting moment to receive this honor.

Council Member Restler's proclamation recognized Sara and Christopher not just as educators, but as community builders — people who have spent years reimagining what education looks and feels like.

At Cottonwood, we believe the work of learning belongs to everyone. This recognition belongs to every learner, family, and facilitator who has been part of this community.

A NYC Council proclamation is an official government document, entered into the public record and signed by an elected Council Member. The City reserves this honor for individuals and organizations making a genuine difference in their community — it isn't given lightly, and it can't be applied for. A Council Member has to personally choose to recognize you.

Council Member Restler represents District 33, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and the surrounding Brooklyn waterfront. Cottonwood's home. This recognition came not from a distant institution, but from our own neighborhood's elected representative, who stood in our space on the night of the Changemakers showcase and said: what's happening here matters.

This honor belongs to every learner, family, facilitator, and supporter who has been part of the Cottonwood community. Thank you for helping build something worth celebrating.