Teaching Excellence Award

The WEA Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually to a member who demonstrates instructional expertise, creativity, innovation, and advocacy for the profession. Nominations for the award shall be made by locals, regions, or state committees of the Wyoming Education Association. As you prepare your nomination materials, please be sure to include specific information about the nominee, his/her activities, and examples of supporting information that will aid the Board in its selection.

WEA, like NEA, does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. WEA and NEA encourage state leaders to consider awardees who reflect the diversity among their members.

Criteria

Nominations are judged according to five criteria. The Board rates nominees on each criterion using the point value indicated below:

1. Professional Practice: The nominee demonstrates instructional expertise, creativity, and innovation in his/her field. The nominee uses a variety of pedagogical techniques and effectively addresses students’ different learning styles and needs. The nominee is an instructional leader at the local, state, and/or national level. (15 points)
2. Advocacy for the Profession: The nominee is a current, active member of the local, state, and/or national education association, and has assumed leadership roles at one or more of these levels. The nominee is an active member of other professional organizations and engages in activities that advance the profession and public education. The nominee speaks out on behalf of public education, educators, and students. (15 points)
3. Attention to Equity and Diversity: The nominee works to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students, regardless of differences. The nominee recognizes and explicitly addresses the full array of values, cultures, and experiences represented in our diverse modern society, both through curriculum and instruction and in other interactions with students. (10 points)
4. Community Engagement: The nominee is intentional, engaging family and community resources to enhance student learning and student success. (5 points)
5. Leadership in Professional Development: The nominee continually engages in experiences to improve his or her practice and to gain new skills and knowledge. The nominee shares this new learning with colleagues in a variety of venues. The nominee’s participation in and commitment to professional development has a visible impact on his or her institution, students, and community. (5 points)