Description of Award

This award is bestowed on special education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a teacher in the field of special education. It recognizes and rewards the special skills and excellence of special education teachers throughout the United States.

This award bears the NASET official seal, the recipient's name, the name of the award, and the date awarded.

Eligibility

A candidate for the NASET Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award will meet the following criteria:

• Be nominated by anyone involved in the field of special education (e.g. colleague, administrator, parent of a child with a disability, etc.) 
• Be a full-time, certified or licensed, special education teacher
• Be a highly dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled teacher
• Be in at least the third year of teaching

Selection Criteria

Nominators are encouraged to consider addressing any or all of the activities listed below, in order to demonstrate the candidate's unique qualifications for the NASET Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award.

Important note: Since the award is forwarded to the Principal of the school for our due dilegence and presentation to the award recipient, it is required that you provide the name, and email for the principal as well as the name of the school and the school address.

Candidates will be judged based upon the following criteria:

Teaching

• Curriculum Development
• Engagements with Students in Educational Activities (outside of classroom)
• Other Demonstrations of Quality Teaching
• Relationships with Students, Parents, Colleagues, Administrators, etc.
• Teaching Honors, Awards, or Recognition
• Teaching Innovations

Service (outside of classroom)

• Community Service
• Other Areas of Service
• Service Honors, Awards, or Recognition
• Service to Professional Organizations
• Service within School District

Professional Activities

• Awards and/or Certifications
• Membership/Participation in Professional Organizations
• Other Contributions to the Profession
• Professional Development and/or Continued Education Publication
• Research

Procedures for Recommendation

Nominations for this award should be submitted to NASET's Awards and Nominations Committee via Online Award Nomination Form.The committee will review all applications and then determine its award recipients.

Now Accepting 2024 Award Nominations

2024 Selection Process and Time Line

• May 1, 2024 Complete nomination due
• May 15, 2024 NASET Awards Committee reviews applications and selects recipients
• By May 30, 2024 NASET Award winners are notified

To nominate an individual for the NASETOutstanding Special Education Teacher Award, use our Online Award Nomination Form.

Now Accepting 2024 Award Nominations