NSAII Awards Program

2025–2026 Program Year

Purpose

To recognize and publicize the noteworthy and innovative efforts of NSAII members to improve teaching, learning, and the conditions that support them.

Eligibility

• All current NSAII members are eligible to enter.

• Lead role required: The member submitting the entry must have played a lead role in the development and/or implementation of the project. Other contributors may be involved and must be identified on the entry form.

• Exception: For the Peer Nomination category, the nominating member submits on behalf of the nominee and is not required to have played a lead role.

• Implementation period: Projects must have been implemented between September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026.

• If a project overlaps with another award year, you may enter it this year or next — but not both.

• A single project may not be entered in more than one category. Choose the most appropriate category; judges may reassign entries as they see fit.

How to Enter

1. Complete one entry form per entry. You may submit multiple entries, including more than one in the same category.

2. Read the judging criteria carefully and address each criterion on the entry form. Proofread for typos — errors can affect judging.

3. Submit visual materials via an electronic link. All visuals must include:

   • Affiliate name

   • Name of the person submitting the entry

   • Title of the program/project

   • Category entered

Submission Deadline

5:00 PM HST, Tuesday, September 30, 2026

For assistance with submissions, contact:

• Diane Gibson — dgibson@hsta.org

• Joshua Frazier — jfrazier@okea.org

• Dr. Felecia Lee [GA] — felecia.lee@gae.org

Judging

• Judges evaluate each entry based on the listed criteria. They may:

• Award no awards or multiple awards in a category

• Move an entry to a different category than the one submitted

• Recuse themselves from reviewing entries submitted by their own affiliate

Entry Criteria

1. Create a Visual Highlight (Required)

Produce a visual presentation — no more than 5 minutes — that showcases your project. This can be created using PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, or any platform of your choice.

This highlight will be shared with colleagues during a roundtable discussion and/or presented before the full membership prior to the awards ceremony. Treat it like a mini-training that explains your process and what you created.

2. Address the Following Questions

Date of Implementation:  When was the project implemented?

Why?  What problem or situation prompted this project?

How?  How did you decide on your strategies, techniques, and budget?

What?

• What materials and methods did you use?

• What adjustments did you make along the way?

• What difficulties did you encounter?

So What?  How did you measure the success of your project?

3. Additional Information (If Applicable)

Assistance:  Describe the contributions of other organizations, agencies, association departments, or individuals.

Unusual Circumstances:  Describe any unexpected situations or constraints that affected the planning or execution of the project.

Award Categories

Choose the one category that best fits your entry. You may not enter the same project in more than one category.

Educational Support and Resources

Creating products or websites focused on teaching and learning, school quality, professional development, and related resources.

Examples: PD Quickies, downloadable lesson plans, templates, rubrics, informational guides, persuasive or promotional materials for internal or external audiences

Coalitions & Advocacy

Working with other organizations and agencies to improve education, including adapting NEA resources for your state.

Example: A statewide Dropout Prevention Conference co-sponsored by the state affiliate, state department of education, and PTA

School Improvement

Providing direct, ongoing assistance to schools and/or districts — such as building professional learning communities, shifting school culture toward inclusive decision-making, working with staff and administration to assess effectiveness, and assisting School Improvement Teams. This category also includes developing materials, messages, testimony, events, or resources in collaboration with other Education Association departments (bargaining, lobbying, campaigning, recruiting, or organizing around school improvement issues).

Examples: Multi-pronged campaign against using student testing to assess teachers; building a Professional Learning Community; micro-credentialing programs

Professional Learning / Workshops / Courses

Projects related to developing and/or delivering training, workshops, or educational courses — live or virtual — intended to impact educator and/or student learning, provide professional growth for members, or build skills and mindset. This includes conventions, conferences, and materials (print, virtual, or audio/activity-based) created for internal or external audiences.

Example: Educator-led professional development

Peer Nomination

Recognizing NSAII members who have made a meaningful impact on their colleagues, school community, or association — as nominated by a fellow member. This category celebrates educators and association members whose dedication, collaboration, and leadership have inspired others, even when their contributions may not be captured in a formal project or program.

The nominating member (not the nominee) completes and submits the entry form, describing the nominee’s contributions and impact. The visual highlight requirement is waived for this category; nominators are encouraged to include supporting materials such as testimonials, photos, or a brief video in its place.

Examples: A mentor who consistently supports new teachers; a building rep who fosters trust and engagement among members; a colleague whose behind-the-scenes work strengthens the association’s mission

Special Award: Pacesetter Award

At their discretion, judges may award the Pacesetter Award to any entry — from any category — that they consider exceptionally innovative and/or creative. This award recognizes outstanding talent among NSAII members and is selected from all entries received.