CEL Innovative Leadership Award
This award honors a mid-career NCTE member for innovative literacy leadership that has made a systemic impact beyond individual classrooms.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates: June 1, 2026 (Nomination deadline, extended)
Funding Amounts: No monetary award; recipient receives a certificate presented at the CEL Annual Convention.
Summary: Recognizes a mid-career NCTE member for innovative literacy leadership with systemic impact beyond the classroom.
Key Information: Nomination requires a form, at least two letters of recommendation, and the candidate’s CV.
Description
This award honors a mid-career literacy leader and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) member who has demonstrated innovative leadership resulting in systemic impact at the local, regional, and/or national level. The recognition is specifically for creative and progressive approaches to literacy leadership, including the development of new methods or delivery models in teaching or professional development that extend beyond individual classrooms. The recipient’s primary role should not be classroom teaching (less than half of daily responsibilities).
