BOSTON, Mass., (Aug. 16, 2025) – The Boston Red Sox have named Tate Shippen, a Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) educator, as a 2025 Most Valuable Educator, recognizing his exceptional contributions to student development and entrepreneurship education.
Shippen teaches business and entrepreneurship, as well as mathematics at Ipswich High School and has 18 years of experience teaching on the North Shore. He uses the NFTE curriculum to encourage students to be creative critical thinkers and guide them as they create small businesses. Many of these student ventures continue beyond the classroom, a testament to Shippen’s encouragement and support.
“Mr. Shippen’s dedication, generosity, and impact on his students’ lives are truly inspiring,” said Bianca Fatu, the student who nominated him. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Shippen was spotlighted on the field during pregame ceremonies Aug. 16 at Fenway Park, during which Shippen also received a personalized Red Sox jersey. Shippen’s wife, parents, and supporters from Ipswich High School were also at the game to celebrate the honor.
“NFTE is proud to have had several Boston Red Sox Most Valuable Educators, a testament to the exceptional contributions our educators make to entrepreneurship education in New England,” NFTE CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock said. “We attribute this success to the amazing NFTE educators whose classrooms inspire excellence and create growth opportunities for the next generation of professionals, leaders and business owners.”
Shippen’s students describe him as passionate, innovative, dedicated, and funny. He describes himself as a lifelong Red Sox fan who has fond memories of coming to Fenway with his dad.
“Tonight, I send my heartfelt thanks to my wife, Liz, for her constant love and support and a big shoutout to my sons, Henry and Charlie,” Shippen said.
Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Shippen has established and advised several student organizations, including the DECA Club, which focuses on developing leadership in entrepreneurship, business, marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. He also oversees the Ski & Snowboarding Club, Finance Club, and Math League, providing students with diverse opportunities for growth and engagement.
Shippen’s devotion to innovative teaching extends to his previous tenure at Hamilton-Wenham, where he launched an award-winning robotics team and a 3D printing lab. His past efforts have also secured over $60,000 in grant funding to enhance students’ educational experiences.
The Red Sox Most Valuable Educator program honors local educators who make a profound impact on their students and communities.
NFTE is a global nonprofit that ignites the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in young people. In the 2024 school year, more than 800 educators taught nearly 1,000 NFTE courses. To learn more about NFTE educators, visit nfte.com/for-educators.
For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@nfte.com.
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About NFTE
Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.