The CCCC Outstanding Teaching Award from NCTE honors first-year college writing instructors for innovative, research-based, and equity-focused teaching excellence.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates: July 1, 2026: Nomination deadline | July 30, 2026: Initial application packet deadline | September 15, 2026: Second-round (final) application packet deadline
Funding Amounts: $500 award per recipient (travel, classroom, or educational use); two awards annually (Emergent & Sustained)
Summary: Honors outstanding first-year college writing instructors who demonstrate innovative, research-informed, and equity-driven teaching.
Key Information: Self-nomination and peer nomination both accepted; awardees recognized at the CCCC Annual Convention.
The CCCC Outstanding Teaching Award, established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 2020, annually recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate exemplary classroom practices in first-year college writing courses. The award celebrates both emergent and sustained excellence in teaching, honoring individuals who embody research-informed pedagogy, foster student agency, and deliver innovative, equity-driven instruction. Two awards are presented each year: one for an Emergent Outstanding Teacher (early career/less than 10 years of experience) and one for a Sustained Outstanding Teacher (11+ years of experience or extensive relevant teaching). Recipients are recognized at the CCCC Annual Convention and receive a $500 award for travel, classroom, or educational purposes.