[National Council of Teachers of English](https://ncte.org)

July 1, 2026 (Nomination deadline) | July 30, 2026 (Initial application packet) | September 15, 2026 (Second-round application packet)

$500 per awardee (travel, classroom, or educational funding); two awards annually (Emergent & Sustained Outstanding Teacher)

Recognizes exemplary, research-based, and inclusive teaching in first-year college writing courses.

--- ## Description This annual award honors educators who demonstrate innovative, research-informed, and equity-driven teaching practices in first-year college writing courses. Two awards are given each year: one for an Emergent Outstanding Teacher (early career) and one for a Sustained Outstanding Teacher (experienced educator). The program aims to highlight impactful classroom educators who foster inclusive, democratic learning environments and meaningful assessment strategies. Recipients are recognized at the CCCC Annual Convention and receive a monetary award to support travel or educational activities. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Nomination deadline - July 30, 2026: Initial application packet deadline (single PDF: cover letter, support letter, teaching philosophy, CV) - September 15, 2026: Second-round application packet deadline (for invited nominees) --- ## Funding Amount - $500 per awardee, intended for travel, classroom, or educational use - Two awards are granted annually: one for an Emergent Outstanding Teacher and one for a Sustained Outstanding Teacher - Awardees also receive a plaque and recognition at the CCCC Annual Convention --- ## Eligibility - Open to educators who teach primarily in first-year college writing courses, including: - First-year composition - Basic writing - First-year seminars - Accelerated learning - General education - Developmental writing - Other writing models for first-year college students - Both self-nominations and nominations by colleagues are accepted - Nominees must be CCCC members whose main professional work is classroom teaching - Emergent category: Typically early career, pre-tenure, or with fewer than 10 years of college teaching experience - Sustained category: Generally post-tenure or with 11+ years of college-level teaching experience --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination (by July 1, 2026):** - Submit a nomination letter (by a colleague or self-nomination) - Letter should indicate the appropriate award category and establish eligibility 2. **Initial Application Packet (by July 30, 2026):** - Submit as a single PDF via email to [cccc@ncte.org](mailto:cccc@ncte.org) - Packet includes: - Cover letter (max 750 words) - Support letter (if not already submitted as nomination) - Teaching philosophy (max 750 words) - Curriculum vitae 3. **Second-Round Application (by September 15, 2026, if invited):** - Submit a single PDF with: - Critical reflection of teaching (max 750 words) and supporting materials (up to 10 pages) - Assessment philosophy (max 750 words) and supporting materials (up to 10 pages) - Teaching observation (by a colleague/qualified individual) - Up to 3 additional letters of support - Selection is based on rubrics evaluating research-informed pedagogy, inclusivity, effectiveness, and evidence of impact on student learning. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to share their expertise at the CCCC Annual Convention, including presenting at the Teacher-to-Teacher event. - Materials submitted should reflect classroom practices for first-year writing, not broader program administration. - Previous winners and honorable mentions are listed on the [award page](https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/outstanding-teaching-award). --- ## External Links - [Program page and application details](https://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/awards/outstanding-teaching-award) - [Award category descriptions (PDF)](https://cccc.ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OutstandingTeachingAwardCategoryDescriptions.pdf) - [Round one rubric (PDF)](https://cccc.ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CCCC_OTA_Round1_Rubric_2023.pdf) - [Round two rubric (PDF)](https://cccc.ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CCCC_OTA_Round2_Rubric_2023.pdf) - [CCCC membership information](https://ncte.org/college/cccc-membership/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [cccc@ncte.org](mailto:cccc@ncte.org) | | Phone | 217-328-3870 | | Web Contact | [NCTE Contact Form](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) | | Address | PO Box 416, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0416, United States |

CCCC Outstanding Teaching Award

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