Redbird Educator Teaching Award Criteria

The College of Education annually recognizes outstanding teaching among all teacher education alumni from Illinois State University who are PK-12 teachers and faculty associates currently teaching in the ISU Laboratory Schools. The purpose of the awards is to recognize and honor teachers who have distinguished themselves as a teacher leader, who demonstrate an evidence-based commitment to students, who have positively impacted their schools and communities, and who are committed to ongoing professional growth.

Three distinct awards include:
Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award
Alumni Teacher Legacy Award
Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year

Selection Criteria

General Criteria

• Graduated from any Illinois State University teacher education or education graduate program*
• Ten or more years of PK-12 teaching experience and currently teaching in a PK-12 classroom**
• Demonstrates a commitment to and talent for educating students of all backgrounds and abilities
• Leads innovative educational practices in their school and community
• Shows evidence of a commitment to student success
• Mentors colleagues and/or future teachers
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional growth and development as an educator

Additional criteria for the Teacher Legacy Award**

• A minimum of 20 years of service in the classroom
• Currently serving as a classroom teacher or retired from teaching

Additional criteria for the Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year*

• Does not have to be an ISU graduate
• Currently serving as a classroom teacher at an ISU laboratory school

Selection Procedure

1. Any person, including self-nominators, may submit nominations for the award using this form.
2. The completed form must be received no later than midnight (CST) on December 8, 2024.
3. The selection committee will review all nominations the week of December 9, 2024. Note to nominators: the information submitted on the nomination form will be used by the selection committee to determine finalists who will then be invited to submit a detailed portfolio for the award.
4. After review, the committee will invite selected nominees to apply for the award. The selected nominee will be asked to submit a detailed application including two letters of support and a recent resume or CV along with summary statements that highlight achievements in and contributions to the field of education. The complete application and support materials must be received no later than midnight (CST) on January 20, 2025 to be eligible for consideration by the selection committee. 
5. All supporting materials must be submitted via the application form. Email questions to Education@IllinoisState.edu.
   

   
   Please include the following address in the header of all letters of support:

   COE Dean’s Office
   Alumni Relations Committee
   Campus Box 5300
   Illinois State University
   Normal, IL 61790-5300

6. The committee will review all completed applications and select up to six (6) awardees for the Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award, one (1) Alumni Teacher Legacy Award, and one (1) Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year. The chair of the committee will notify the Dean and College Council of the approved awardees.

    

7. Awardees will be notified of their selection and invited to the awards ceremony in mid-February 2025. 

Conferring Award

The Dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University will present awards to recipients at the Redbird Educator Teaching Award luncheon, held on Friday, April 4, 2025.