CEL Innovative Leadership Award
The CEL Innovative Leadership Award honors mid-career NCTE members for creative, systemic leadership in literacy education that extends beyond classroom teaching.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Nomination deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: No monetary award; recipient receives a certificate presented at the CEL Annual Convention.
Summary: Recognizes mid-career literacy leaders and NCTE members for innovative leadership with systemic impact beyond the classroom.
Key Information: Award is honorary; teaching must be less than half of nominee’s role.
Description
The CEL Innovative Leadership Award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), honors a mid-career literacy leader and NCTE member who has demonstrated innovative leadership resulting in a systemic impact at the local, regional, or national level. The award highlights individuals whose primary responsibilities go beyond classroom teaching, focusing on those who drive change through new, creative, and progressive approaches to literacy leadership, professional development, or educational delivery models. The recipient is recognized at the CEL Annual Convention and receives a commemorative certificate.
