Distinguished Educator of 2017

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The Distinguished Educator award is presented to a full-time Georgia educator of grades 5-12.  This educator will have demonstrated excellence in the development and presentation of lessons or activities focused on the Holocaust, human rights, civil rights, or character development. In doing so, this educator will have motivated students to become active members of their communities, locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. 

The official presentation of the award will take place on April 28, 2017, at the State Capitol. The winner will also receive statewide recognition, a plaque and a $500 stipend for educational materials.

Applications must be submitted by March 28, 2017.

Click here to submit.

(Photo: Distinguished Educator of 2016 Brendan Murphy of the Marist School, courtesy of Brendan Murphy)

Eligibility

The applicant must currently be an educator of grades 5-12 at a Georgia public, private, or charter school.

Educators who have applied in previous years may reapply.

Educators who have received the Distinguished Educator of the Year prior to 2014 may apply again.

Deadline

All entries must be submitted online by March 28, 2017.

Apply

All applications must be submitted online via this form. Applications consist of the following components:

I. Educator Information

This portion requires contact information for the educator, including a headshot or school photo.

II. Criteria

This portion requires a cover letter indicating the educator's qualifications as they apply to the award criteria:

  • Exemplifies a passion to eradicate prejudice and discrimination  
  • Demonstrates qualities of moral courage, a sense of moral responsibility, and a respect for diversity and humanity
  • Inspires others by being a role model, exhibiting physical and moral courage, personal integrity, and a sense of moral responsibility in his/her own behavior
  • Connects students to the history and lessons of the Holocaust and assists them in translating what they have learned to the choices that they will have to make
  • Ensures that future generations are prepared to become engaged citizens, make good choices and take responsibility for their own actions

III. Letters of Support

1. Letter of Support from School Administrator

2. Letter of support from individual who is familiar with your work, in school and/or in the community

3. Letter of support from individual who is familiar with your work, in school and/or in the community

IV. Rubric Components

The rubric components can be previewed via this link.

Each of the following component requires 1-3 corresponding document(s), the approximate date(s), and approximate audience size. Please do not submit more than 3 corresponding documents for each component.

1. In-school activities that relate to the Holocaust, other genocides and/or human rights

2. Out-of-School activities that relate to the Holocaust, genocide and/or human rights

3. Community activities related to civic involvement, active citizenship and community involvement (Demonstrate involvement in the community beyond the school walls)

4. Supplemental Materials (optional)