Awards

Linda Rief Voices from the Middle Award

2024 Recipient

“’On the Air with…’: Boosting Youth-DJs’ Speculative Civic Literacies on Local Radio” (Vol. 31, No. 2, December 2023) by Cassie J. Brownell

Dr. Cassie J. Brownell is an associate professor of curriculum, teaching, and learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Across her research and university teaching, Dr. Brownell builds from her experiences as a classroom teacher in New Orleans. Alongside community-based partners like Be Loud Studios (https://www.beloudstudios.org/), she is committed to addressing issues of educational justice and forwarding equity in early and middle childhood. 

Award Details

Nominations are not accepted for this award.

Purpose:
This award recognizes an outstanding publication in Voices from the Middle written or co-written by classroom teachers or literacy coaches. Many of today’s recognized authors and experts published their early work in Voices from the Middle, and this award aims to support the development of future voices to lead our profession forward.

Eligibility:
The outstanding work must have been published between September and May of the previous volume year. At least 50% of the named contributing authors must be middle level preservice or practicing teachers or literacy coaches at the time of publication. This may include those on leave or on special assignment. All published works that meet this eligibility requirement will be considered; no additional submission is required. The published work may be print or digital, article, vignette, or other form. Up to two honorable mentions may be named each year.

Award Criteria:
Upon meeting eligibility requirements, a published work will be selected based on the following four criteria:

• Timeliness to the field
• Features authentic classroom voices
• Practical application of ideas to other middle level classrooms
• Significant attention to craft and intended audience