ELA :: Math :: Science :: Social Studies :: Fine Arts :: Foreign Language :: Agriculture - Family - Consumer :: Special Education :: Technology & Careers :: Character Education :: All Teachers

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English Language Arts

The International Reading Association - IRA presents a number of awards and grants each year to recognize outstanding teachers of reading and literacy at all levels and to support teachers' efforts to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills and to make meaningful contributions to their profession.

Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year - Presented by the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) and Toyota, the Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year Award is given to educators who demonstrate exemplary efforts to help parents and children achieve their academic and non-academic goals.

Journalism Educators Association - Fantastic awards for teachers and sponsors of Journalism related classes.

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Math

The Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teachers - The Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching were established in 1983 by an Act of Congress and are administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation . Each year the program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers from across the United States and four U.S. jurisdictions for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the Awards is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent science and mathematics teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Mathematics and science teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for the award. In even-numbered years, the award is given to elementary teachers (grades K-6); in odd-numbered years, secondary teachers (grades 7-12) are recognized.

Air Force Association Teacher of the Year Award - Along with grants and scholarships, the Air Force Association believes that recognizing those who educate America's youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about. AFA chapters nationwide work very hard to ensure our youth receive education in math and the sciences and that those who teach and support the educators are recognized.  The AFA recognizes national, state, and chapter winners.

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Science

The Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teachers - The Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching were established in 1983 by an Act of Congress and are administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation . Each year the program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers from across the United States and four U.S. jurisdictions for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the Awards is to expand and exemplify the definition of excellent science and mathematics teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Mathematics and science teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for the award. In even-numbered years, the award is given to elementary teachers (grades K-6); in odd-numbered years, secondary teachers (grades 7-12) are recognized.

National Association of Biology Teachers Award - Each year, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), through its Outstanding Biology Teacher Awards (OBTA), attempts to identify an excellent biology instructor in each of the 50 U.S. states; Canada; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Nominations of worthy candidates by NABT members and friends help us to recognize those individuals whose outstanding work in the classroom qualifies them for this award.

Air Force Association Teacher of the Year Award - Along with grants and scholarships, the Air Force Association believes that recognizing those who educate America's youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about. AFA chapters nationwide work very hard to ensure our youth receive education in math and the sciences and that those who teach and support the educators are recognized.  The AFA recognizes national, state, and chapter winners.

National Science Teachers Association - NSTA has numerous grants and award programs available for teachers.

Suburu National Science Teacher Award - Sixth through twelfth-grade science teachers can nominate themselves to win $1,000 for their classroom or $500 dollars for themselves by writing an essay that describes their innovative approach to teaching science. 

Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Program - The National Association of Geoscience Teachers sponsored Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) awards are given for " exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the secondary level ." Middle school and high-school teachers are elegible. Eleven national finalists are selected, one from each NAGT regional section. Some sections also recognize state winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award.

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Social Studies

National Counsel for the Social Studies - National Council for the Social Studies honors annually the outstanding performance of teachers, researchers, and other worthy individuals and programs, and has encouraged unique and innovative social studies education projects through its award and grant programs. Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies has grown to be the largest association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of social studies; teacher educators; researchers; curriculum designers; and curriculum specialists. The Council engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History National Teacher of the Year Award - Inaugurated in 2004 by Preserve America, the History Teacher of the Year Award is designed to promote, celebrate, encourage and honor the teaching of U.S. history in America's classrooms. The Gilder Lehrman Institute was selected by Preserve America and the White House to coordinate and present this annual award, which honors one outstanding K-12 teacher of American history from each state and U.S. territory. History teachers at every level, from elementary through high school, are eligible for nomination, and each state winner is a finalist for the national award.

NASDAQ Teaching Awards - Sponsored by the NASDAQ Educational Foundation and the National Council on Economic Education, these awards honor outstanding teachers who foster economic literacy at the high school level. Cash awards are presented to several regional winners and an overall grand-prize winner.

JFK Lancer Productions and Publications - A full-time, certified teacher at the high school level who has demonstrated leadership and dedication to teaching young people about the JFK assassination and to setting a standard of excellence in research can apply for this award. This teacher should have personally contributed information to the understanding of the murder of President John F. Kennedy.  Recognizing the need for ethical leadership in the 21st century and the increasingly important role of teachers as leaders, JFK Lancer offers the JFK Lancer Scholarship for Teachers who demonstrate characteristics of leadership. The scholarship is $500 cash and $100 value of research materials.

Save Our History Honors - The History Channel wishes to honor teachers and students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to local history through their preservation or history education efforts. Twenty-five teachers and students will win cash prizes and national honors from The History Channel. One teacher and one student will be recognized as the Teacher and Student of the Year at the Save Our History National Event in Washington, D.C.

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Fine Arts

National Endowment for the Arts: National Heritage Fellowships - To honor and preserve our nation's diverse cultural heritage, the National Endowment for the Arts annually awards one-time-only NEA National Heritage Fellowships to master folk and traditional artists. These fellowships recognize lifetime achievement, artistic excellence, and contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage.

Nominees must be worthy of national recognition and have a record of continuing artistic accomplishment. They must be actively participating in their art form, either as practitioners or as teachers. Fellows are selected according to criteria of authenticity, excellence, and significance within the particular artistic tradition.

Each year, the National Endowment for the Arts awards an NEA National Heritage Fellowship to an individual who has made major contributions to the excellence, vitality, and public appreciation of the folk and traditional arts. Named after the influential advocate, educator, and producer of the folk and traditional arts, Bess Lomax Hawes, this award recognizes:

• Artists whose contributions, primarily through teaching, advocacy, organizing, and preserving important repertoires, have greatly benefited their artistic tradition.
• Individuals such as producers and advocates whose efforts have significantly increased opportunities for and public visibility of traditional arts and artists.

 

National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Education - This site lists several grants by Fine Arts Subject Area. These areas include:

• Arts Education
• Theatre/Musical Theatre
• Dance
• Music
• Design
• Visual Arts
• Media/Radio/Television

Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth: To advance arts education for children and youth in school-based or community-based settings. An organization may request a grant amount from $5,000 to $150,000.

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Foreign Language

Elgin Heinz Oustanding Teacher Award - The Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award was approved by the Foundation's Board of Trustees in September 2001 and recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. The award is presented annually to two pre-college teachers in two categories, humanities and Japanese language, and consists of a certificate of recognition, a $2,500 monetary award, and $5,000 in project funds. It is named in honor of Elgin Heinz for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.

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Agriculture - Family - Consumer

Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award Program - The Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Awards Program is conducted by USDA's Agriculture in the Classroom Program and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium. This competitive program recognizes a select group of teachers for their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Teachers are selected by a panel of experts knowledgeable in agriculture, education and AITC for their outstanding contributions to education about American agriculture. Recipients of these distinguished awards receive a $500 honorarium and up to $1,500 in travel expenses to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held annually in June.
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year Award - The TOY award identifies and recognizes exemplary family and consumer sciences teachers who exhibit a deep commitment to the profession and association. These teachers have outstanding educational programs, methods, techniques and activities integrated into the curriculum that provide the stimulus for and give visibility to family and consumer sciences at the elementary and secondary levels.

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Special Education

P. Buckley Moss Foundation and Moss Society Arts Teacher Award - These awards recognize outstanding teachers who consistently integrate the arts into the teaching of children with learning disabilities and other special needs.  The awards also encourage and reward instructional collaboration among teachers whenever arts are included in the classroom learning experience as an essential ingredient in the education of all children. 

The Shaklee Teacher Award - Annually, the Shaklee Institute recognizes up to ten teachers of students with disabilities. Winners are determined by specific student outcomes and related contributions as teachers of exceptional students.

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Technology & Careers

Global SchoolNet Foundation - Since 1984 the Global SchoolNet Foundation (GSN) has been in the forefront of demonstrating and promoting online collaborative learning. Today, GSN continues this tradition by offering the annual " GSN Online Shared Learning Award. " This Award will recognize current classroom teachers, media specialists, or other school-based educators who have distinguished themselves in the area of Online Shared Learning (note that this definition does not include most online and distance education courses).

National Semiconductor: Internet Innovator Award - This award was created to recognize K-12 educators who exhibit the highest level of innovation in integrating Internet technology into their curriculum. Eligible teachers include K-12 classroom teachers or resource teachers of any subject. Recipients receive $10,000, and the educators' schools receive $15,000 to further the integration of technology. A separate program that carries a $20,000 school award exists for areas surrounding National Semiconductor's three major U.S. communities -- Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties in California; the state of Maine; and Tarrant County, Texas.

ACTE National Awards Program - The Association for Career and Technical Education awards program seeks to promote excellence in career and technical education by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field, programs that exemplify the highest standards and organizations that have conducted activities to promote and expand career and technical education programs.

International Technology Education Association (ITEA) Distinguished Educator Award - This award recognizes outstanding performance and accomplishments in the field of professional technology education. Consideration for the award is based upon documented evidence of leadership/management skills, continuing participation in association education programs, and demonstration of leadership in association, community, and personal activities.  The program recognizes those areas of technology education the DTE Board has determined to be most reflective of successful professional attainment.

ITEA Program Excellence Award - Sponsored by ITEA and the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals), the Program Excellence Award is one of the highest honors given to technology education classroom teachers on the elementary, middle, or high school levels. It is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions both to the profession and to their students. The honoree is formally presented an engraved plaque and other awards at ITEA's annual conference.

ITEA Teacher Excellence Award - Sponsored by ITEA and Goodheart-Willcox Publisher, this award is one of the highest honors given to Technology Education classroom teachers and is presented in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and their students. The Teacher Excellence Award provides public recognition at the local through international levels. On the province or state level, a certificate of achievement is granted at the affiliated association's annual meeting.

SMARTer Kids Foundation Teaching Excellence Award - The Foundation recognizes and rewards teachers who have made a significant impact on their students, schools and communities, by giving them cutting-edge technology to reach their teaching goals.  The Teaching Excellence Awards (TEA) sponsor existing teacher-recognition programs through the donation of education technologies.

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Character Education

National Association for Humane and Enviromental Education Kind Teacher Award - K-6 classroom teachers who include lessons about kindness to people, animals, and the environment in their curriculum can nominate themselves or be nominated for this award.  The winning teacher will receive an award plaque; a feature story in KIND Teacher , NAHEE's annual teacher resource book; and the Teacher's Care & Carry Kit , which includes Critters with Character lesson plans, posters, and other humane education materials.

National Schools of Character Program - National Schools Of Character (NSOC) is an annual awards program recognizing K-12 schools and districts demonstrating outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. Although winners may differ in method, content, and scope, all emphasize core ethical values such as honesty, respect, responsibility and caring. Selected schools and districts receive a cash award of $2,000, national recognition, and are featured in the Character Education Partnership (CEP)'s annual NSOC book/CD and on CEP's website.

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All Teachers

Disney Worldwide Outreach Teacher Awards - The 2007 information for teachers in all subjects and grade levels will be posted soon. This award is granted out of a nationwide pool of nominees In celebration of their creativity, innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire students while actively engaging them in learning.

National Semiconductor: Internet Innovator Award - This award was created to recognize K-12 educators who exhibit the highest level of innovation in integrating Internet technology into their curriculum. Eligible teachers include K-12 classroom teachers or resource teachers of any subject. Recipients receive $10,000, and the educators' schools receive $15,000 to further the integration of technology. A separate program that carries a $20,000 school award exists for areas surrounding National Semiconductor's three major U.S. communities -- Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties in California; the state of Maine; and Tarrant County, Texas.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars - The VFW's National Citizenship Education Teachers' Award recognizes the nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America's history and traditions. Nearly 1,000 teachers are from every state, the District of Columbia and overseas. Fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals can submit nominations by November 1 to your local Post.

The National Teachers Hall of Fame - The Hall of Fame annually honors five teachers who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to teaching our nation's children.

Hall of Fame inductees will receive the following awards each year:

• A plaque bearing their picture, name and brief description for display in their school and the Hall of Fame
• Signet ring and lapel pin presented by Herff Jones, Inc.
• A $1,000 scholarship for a student in the inductee's school district who is planning to pursue a degree in education presented by Sodexho
• $1,000 in materials for their school district presented by Pearson Education
• A permanent display in The National Teachers Hall of Fame
• A cast bronze belltower award
• Marlow woodcut of a country school scene

 

American Library Association- This site offers a variety of awards for school librarians, media professionals, and teachers.

American Stars of Teaching - American Stars recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students. These teachers will be highlighted as representatives of the thousands of teachers who are making a difference in the classroom. The next group of American Stars of Teaching will be identified in each state and the District of Columbia and will represent all grade levels and disciplines. Officials from the U.S. Department of Education will again be visiting the classes of each American Star to congratulate them on their success.

H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards - Every year H-E-B reaches out across the Lone-Star state to find the best educators in Texas. Through their grocery stores and communities, citizens and customers alike are asked to nominate their choice for outstanding educator. Nominees can be anyone from Superintendents to school support staff and are eligible for a handsome cash reward, as well as, a grant that goes directly to the winner's school. The winning school district will receive a $100,000 grant, the winning principals (primary and secondary) will be award $10,000 personally and a $25,000 grant for their schools. Teacher's awards include The Rising Star (Less than 10 years of teaching), Leadership Award (10-20 years of teaching), and Lifetime Achievement Award (more than 20 years of teaching) will be given $5000, $10,000, and $25,000 respectively, along with matching grant for each winner's school.

Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award - The purpose of the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award is to award $100,000 to one outstanding teacher working in an underserved community in America. The award seeks to recognize innovative and results-oriented teaching and to raise public awareness of the importance of effective and committed teachers.  The $100,000 award will be the largest single, unrestricted award given to a K-12 teacher in American history, and it is the Kinders' hope that some day, teachers earning as much as other professions will become the norm instead of an exception to the rule.

Milken Family Foundation: National Educator Awards - his program is designed to honor educators who are making great strides in improving education. From its original presentation of awards to a dozen California educators, the program has grown to national stature with 46 participating states.

National Teacher of the Year Program - Sponsored by The Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastics, the National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. A national selection committee representing the major national education organizations chooses the National Teacher of the Year from among the State Teachers of the Year. The site contains information about the application and nominating processes, duties of the National Teacher of the Year, and the selection criteria.

NEA Foundation - The National Education Association's Foundation for the Improvement of Education offers grants and awards for educators listed on their website.

Thomson Gale TEAMS Award - The Thomson Gale TEAMS Award recognizes and encourages the critical collaboration between teachers and media specialists to promote learning and increase student achievement. Three winners will each receive a $2,500 cash award; Thomson Gale products worth approximately $500; a one-year subscription to Library Media Connection; and the Educator's Professional Bookshelf from Linworth Publishing. Nominations may be submitted by library media specialists, teachers, principals, students, or parents, from all K-12 public and private schools in the US and Canada.

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award - Anyone can nominate their favorite teacher in Wal-Mart's and Phi Delta Kappa's Teacher of the Year Award.  The awards encompass three competitions: local, national, and state.  Local winners receive $1000, state winners receive $10,000, and the national winner receives $25,000.  All awards are in the form of grants for the school.

Young Educator Award - The ASCD Outstanding Young Educator Award nominee is an education professional, 40 years of age or younger, who demonstrates exemplary commitment and exceptional contribution to the profession.  This person's creative and innovative accomplishments within the classroom, school, district, state, or region have had a significant impact on student performance and achievement over time and provide an ongoing model of excellence in encouraging all learners to succeed. The educator's body of work consistently proves leadership among colleagues.  The winner receives $10,000.

OfficeMax Super Hero Teacher of the Year - In order to recognize teachers for their heroic efforts, OfficeMax, Marvel Entertainment, and TeachersCount teamed together to present the first ever OfficeMax Super Hero Teacher of the Year contest. This one-of-a-kind competition recognized outstanding middle school teachers and the students who nominated them by turning them into real comic book characters.

Humanities Texas - Formerly the Texas Council for the Humanities, this organization offers Teacher of the Year Awards and Grants for the study of the Humanities. The humanities include the following academic fields:

• Ethics
• History
• Philosophy
• Archaeology
• Literature
• Linguistics
• Religious Studies
• Foreign Languages
• Jurisprudence
• Art History and Criticism
• Cultural Anthropology
• Folklore
• Political Theory
• Interdisciplinary programs, including American, ethnic, and gender studies

In addition, projects can apply humanities perspectives to current political, social, or economic concerns and issues.

The National Education Association Grants - The NEA Foundation supports a variety of efforts by teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to improve student learning in the nation's public schools, colleges, and universities. Grants cover many subject areas and the site is worth a visit.

 

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- Many Thanks to TeachersCoung.Org for much of this information. -