Educator Awards

NCTE presents several awards each year to recognize outstanding teachers of English language arts and literacy at all levels and to support teachers’ efforts to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills. Select from the links below to learn more about each award.

Donald H. Graves Writing Award

2024 Recipient Jen Vincent

Recognizes teachers in grades K-6 who, through the teaching of writing, demonstrate an understanding of student improvement in writing.
Deadline May 1

Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship

2024 Recipient Michael Watson

The Edwyna Wheadon Postgraduate Training Scholarship provides funding for professional development experiences for English/Language Arts teachers in public educational institutions. The purpose of the scholarship is to support postgraduate training to enhance teaching skills and/or career development in teaching.
Deadline January 31

High School Teacher of Excellence Award

This award is given to high school teachers who are nominated by their state affiliates. All state, provincial, regional, and local affiliates can participate.
Deadline June 1

Media Literacy Award

2024 Recipient T. Philip Nichols

This award showcases NCTE members who have developed innovative approaches for integrating media analysis and composition into their instruction.
Deadline May 1

Outstanding Elementary Educator Award

2024 Recipient Dr. Angie Zapata

Recognizes a distinguished educator who has made major contributions to the field of elementary English language arts education.
Deadline February 22

Outstanding Middle Level Educator Award

2024 Recipient Donald Jenkins

This award recognizes exceptional English language arts teachers of grades 6-8 who have demonstrated excellence in teaching English language arts and inspired a spirit of inquiry and a love of learning in their students.
Deadline May 1

Penguin Random House Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers & Maya Angelou Teacher Award for Poetry

This award was given on a temporary basis to recognize the nation’s most dynamic and resourceful teachers who use their creativity to inspire and successfully instill a lifelong love of reading and poetry in students.
Archived, not accepting nominations

Richard W. Halle Award

Honors a junior high/middle level educator who has worked to promote understanding of the developmental needs and characteristics of young adolescents, especially in the English language arts.
Nominations not accepted for this award