The Delta Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute, a non-profit organization headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, annually recognizes teachers in several parishes in the metropolitan area. The Teaching Excellence Award Program was established in 1987 by the Delta Chapter to pay tribute to and reinforce outstanding teaching in K-12 schools.

The organization is committed to education, and to that end has chosen to recognize the untiring efforts of classroom teachers who continue to deliver quality services to students with minimal compensation and, often, inadequate resources.

As of April 2022, the Delta Chapter has awarded over $150,000 to veteran and new classroom educators in the metropolitan area.

During the academic year nominations are submitted by administrators in public and private schools in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St Bernard, St Charles, St Tammany, and Terrebonne parishes.

Teacher applications are reviewed by a Committee of API members. The selection criteria, includes commitment to teaching, resourcefulness, professional involvement and community service. The outstanding teacher model is one whose performance will positively impact students for the remainder of their lives.