CEL Kent Williamson Exemplary Leader Award
This annual NCTE award recognizes an English language arts educator and leader for outstanding teaching, leadership, and ongoing contributions to the profession at multiple levels.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates: June 1, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline, extended)
Funding Amounts: No monetary award; recipient receives a plaque, CEL Luncheon ticket, and two one-year CEL memberships (one for recipient, one to gift)
Summary: Annual recognition for an outstanding English language arts educator and leader who has made significant, ongoing contributions to the profession.
Key Information: Nominee must be an NCTE member; nominations must be emailed to the CEL Associate Chair.
Description
This annual award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) through its Conference on English Leadership (CEL), honors an exceptional English language arts educator and leader. The award recognizes sustained professional impact through outstanding teaching, leadership, and broad contributions to the field, including presentations, workshops, and publications that have influenced school leaders at the local, regional, and national levels. The award is named in memory of Kent D. Williamson, former NCTE Executive Director.
