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

April 1, 2026 (Nomination deadline)

No monetary award; recipient receives a certificate presented at the CEL Annual Convention.

Recognizes mid-career literacy leaders whose innovative leadership has made a systemic impact in education at regional or national levels.

--- ## Description The CEL Innovative Leadership Award honors a mid-career literacy leader and NCTE member who demonstrates innovative leadership resulting in systemic impact at local, regional, or national levels. The award highlights individuals whose primary professional role involves literacy leadership, with teaching comprising less than half of their daily responsibilities or not being part of their role at all. Recipients are recognized for pioneering literacy leadership activities and creative approaches to teaching or professional development that transform programs and systems beyond their immediate school or district. The award is intended to spotlight leaders who enact change and foster innovation in literacy education. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Nomination deadline (Nomination Form, at least two letters of recommendation, and candidate’s curriculum vitae must be received) --- ## Funding Amount - The award does not include a monetary prize. - The recipient receives a certificate, which is presented at the CEL Annual Convention. --- ## Eligibility - **Career Stage:** Mid-career literacy leaders. - **Membership:** Nominee must be a current member of NCTE. - **Role:** The nominee’s daily responsibilities must be primarily in literacy leadership, with teaching comprising less than half of their role or not being part of their role at all. - **Impact:** Demonstrated innovative leadership that has led to systemic impact at the local, regional, or national level. - **Nomination Materials:** A complete nomination requires: - Nomination Form - At least two letters of recommendation - Candidate’s curriculum vitae --- ## Application Process - Complete and submit the [CEL Awards Nomination Form](https://ncte.org/groups/cel/cel-awards-nomination-form/) by April 1, 2026. - Attach at least two letters of recommendation (PDF format). - Submit the candidate’s curriculum vitae (PDF format). - All materials must be received by the deadline for full consideration. - The CEL Award Committee will review nominations and select the recipient. - If you are unsure which award best matches your/the nominee’s experience, you may email [cel@ncte.org](mailto:cel@ncte.org) for guidance. - The committee may consider nominees for a different CEL award if they feel it is a better fit. --- ## Additional Information - The award is recognition-only (no monetary component). - The winner is announced and honored at the CEL Annual Convention. - Recent past winners include leaders from universities, public schools, and educational organizations. --- ## External Links - [CEL Innovative Leadership Award Program Page](https://ncte.org/awards/cel-innovative-leadership-award/) - [Nomination Form](https://ncte.org/groups/cel/cel-awards-nomination-form/) - [CEL Leadership Awards Overview](https://ncte.org/awards/conference-on-english-leadership-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [cel@ncte.org](mailto:cel@ncte.org) | | Phone | 217-328-3870 | | Funder Website | [https://ncte.org](https://ncte.org) | | Contact Page | [https://ncte.org/contact-us/](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) |

CEL Innovative Leadership Award

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