Awards

NCTE Affiliate Excellence in Integrated Media Award

Award Details

Purpose
To recognize NCTE state affiliates that demonstrate exceptional skill in using a multiplatform approach—including, but not limited to, social media, blogs, newsletters, and websites—to engage members, amplify NCTE’s mission, and provide high-quality professional resources.

Who Can Participate
Any affiliate of NCTE that uses a multiplatform engagement approach—including, but not limited to, social media, blogs, newsletters, and websites.

Frequency/Number of Awards 

Outstanding affiliates will be selected and recognized with the Affiliate Excellence in Integrated Media Award at the Affiliate Breakfast at each year’s NCTE Annual Convention. 

Award Specifics
Certificates will be presented to each winning affiliate.

Award Criteria and Deadline 
Affiliates nominate themselves for this award by submitting an Affiliate Excellence in Integrated Media Award submission form no later than July 15 (for the 2026 awards) in the year of the award. An NCTE Committee on Affiliates (COA) representative will chair the judging.

Submissions will be judged on the following criteria (published in 2026):

• Clearly states the affiliate’s vision and mission and identifies affiliation with NCTE.
• Aligns media platforms with the affiliate’s strategic goals and NCTE’s mission.
• Communicates programming, initiatives, professional opportunities, and resources that support members.
• Publishes well-written, well-organized, relevant, and timely content appropriate to members’ professional needs.
• Appeals to diverse audiences across grade levels, teaching contexts, and experience levels.
• Properly cites authors, affiliations, sources, images, and statistics when applicable.
• Demonstrates consistent typography, professional layout standards, and purposeful use of graphics.
• Maintains cohesive branding (logo, color palette, visual identity) and consistent voice across platforms.
• Ensures accessibility across browsers and mobile devices with easy navigation and functional links.
• Publishes up-to-date content with consistent frequency and meaningful engagement strategies that foster professional community and dialogue.

Scoring Rubric (published in 2026)

Submission and Deadline
The completed Affiliate Excellence in Integrated Media Award submission form is due no later than July 15 (for the 2026 awards) in the year of the award. The winning affiliate(s) will be notified in late summer so that they may have a representative present to receive the award at the NCTE Annual Convention Affiliate Breakfast. This representative is expected to purchase a Breakfast ticket with Convention registration.

Administration
The Committee on Affiliates will administer the award. The Committee will appoint a member to handle the judging, the award specifics, and notification to applicants. The NCTE Affiliate Office will handle the initial publicity and notification about the program to affiliates.

Judging
Each submission will be independently evaluated.