Leadership Awards
NCTE presents several awards to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of literacy, to the field of education, or to the organization. Select from the links below to learn more about each award.
Berry Research Award to Study Careers of English Majors
2022 Erin McNeill
The Berry Research Award to Study Careers of English Majors supports NCTE members in the teaching, learning, and application of literacy learning. It provides research support for an NCTE member(s) who proposes a research project that studies “the careers of English Majors and/or the role and function of English in career development.”
Deadline May 1 (every other year)
Distinguished Service Award
2023 Recipient David Bloome
Given to a person or persons who have exhibited valuable professional service and excellence in teaching
James R. Squire Award
2023 Recipient Beverly Ann Chin
Honors an individual who has given outstanding service to NCTE and the profession of education as a whole.
Deadline May 1
NCTE Advancement of People of Color Leadership Award
2023 Recipient Elaine Richardson
This award is given to an NCTE member of color who has made a significant contribution to NCTE and the development of our professional community. It supports those who advocate for policies and practices that influence and advance the understanding of equity and antiracism.
Deadline May 1
NCTE Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award
This award provides early career teachers of color a national forum at the NCTE Annual Convention for professional collaboration and development as they build accomplished teaching careers as active NCTE members. All award recipients must be an NCTE member at the time the award is accepted.
Deadline April 15
NCTE Leadership Award for People with Disabilities
2023 Recipient Jo Hsu
This award recognizes a person with a disability who has made a significant contribution to NCTE and to the development of our professional community. It encompasses mental, physical, sensory, and other disabilities. Recipients promote and support the advancement of people with disabilities in our profession through their service, writing, teaching, scholarship, and professional development.
Deadline May 1
NCTE LGBTQIA+ Advocacy & Leadership Award
2023 Recipient shea wesley martin
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have always been active in literacy teaching and learning; they also have been active members of NCTE. This award recognizes a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who has made a significant contribution to the Council through service, scholarship, and actions that promote and support the advancement of the LGBTQIA+ community in the profession, in literacy-related activities, and in public engagement, thus helping to create a culture of change.
Deadline May 1
NCTE National Intellectual Freedom Award
2023 Recipient Aja Y. Martinez
Established in 1997 by NCTE and SLATE–Support for the Learning and Teaching of English–this award is given to individuals, groups, or institutions that merit recognition for advancing the cause of intellectual freedom. A subcommittee of the NCTE Standing Committee Against Censorship selects the recipient(s).
Deadline June 15
George Orwell Award
2023 Recipient Black Gaze Podcast, Kisha Porcher & Shamaine Bertrand
The NCTE George Orwell Award, established in 1975 and administered by the NCTE Public Language Award Committee, recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to the critical analysis of public discourse.