Awards

CEL Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award

2024 Winner: Kelly Gallagher

Kelly Gallagher is a literacy education author and consultant, specializing in the teaching of English language arts for grades 4–12. Informed by a 35-year teaching career, Gallagher has developed and shares an ever-evolving body of work that helps teachers engage and empower even the most reluctant readers and writers. He is the former president of the Secondary Reading Group for the International Literacy Association and the author of several professional development books, including Readicide and Write Like This, and two books co-written with Penny Kittle, 180 Days and Four Essential Studies. His latest book, You Have to Know Stuff to Read Stuff, was published last month.

The award will be presented during the CEL Annual Convention.

Award Details

Nomination Deadline: April 1

Purpose:  The award is given annually to an NCTE member who is an outstanding English language arts educator and leader.

Award Criteria:  NCTE and CEL members are encouraged to nominate an exceptional leader who has had an ongoing impact on the profession through the following:

• Work that has focused on exceptional teaching and/or leadership practices;
• Contributions to the profession through involvement at the local, regional, and national levels;
• Presentations, workshops, and publications that have had an impact upon school leaders.

Candidates not selected for the year in which they are nominated will receive consideration for the next two years.

Award Specifics:  The recipient receives a plaque, CEL Luncheon ticket, a one-year complimentary CEL membership, and the gift of a one-year complimentary CEL membership to present to a colleague. The recipient may also be invited to speak at the CEL Convention. The award is presented at the Sunday CEL Opening Session during the NCTE Annual Convention.

Nomination Materials: The CEL Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award is given annually to an NCTE member who is an outstanding English Language Arts educator and leader. The award is named in honor of Kent D. Williamson (1957-2015), who served as NCTE’s Executive Director from 2000-2015. Previous winners include Jocelyn Chadwick, Linda Rief, Ernest Morrell, Pam Allyn, Caro Jago, and Penny Kittle. Nominations should be emailed directly to the CEL Associate Chair, Nicholas Emmanuele, naemmanuele@gmail.com, by April 1.

Judging:  The CEL Award Committee determines the recipient from the nominations submitted within the calendar year. For full consideration, award applications must be received no later than March 1. Candidates not selected for the year in which they are nominated will receive consideration for the next two years.