CEL Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award
This award honors English language arts educators and leaders for outstanding, sustained contributions and leadership in advancing the profession through teaching, presentations, workshops, and publications.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Nomination deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Non-monetary award: recipient receives a plaque, CEL Luncheon ticket, and complimentary CEL memberships (see details below).
Summary: Recognizes outstanding English language arts educators and leaders for significant, sustained contributions to the profession.
Key Information: Nominees must be NCTE members; nominations are considered for up to three years.
Description
The CEL Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award, presented annually by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), honors an outstanding English language arts educator and leader who has demonstrated exceptional teaching and/or leadership practices. The award celebrates individuals who have made significant, ongoing contributions at local, regional, and national levels, and who have impacted the profession through presentations, workshops, and publications. The award is named in memory of Kent D. Williamson, former NCTE Executive Director, and is intended to recognize sustained professional excellence and leadership in English language arts education.
