CEL Teacher-Leader of Excellence Award
The CEL Teacher-Leader of Excellence Award honors NCTE member educators for outstanding leadership and impact in literacy education within and beyond the classroom.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Nomination deadline for CEL Teacher‑Leader of Excellence Award)
Funding Amounts: No monetary award; recipient receives a certificate and public recognition at the CEL Annual Convention.
Summary: Honors an NCTE member classroom educator for outstanding leadership in literacy education within and beyond the classroom.
Key Information: Teaching must constitute at least half of nominee’s daily responsibilities; award recognizes both classroom impact and broader educational leadership.
Description
The CEL Teacher-Leader of Excellence Award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), recognizes a classroom educator and NCTE member who demonstrates exceptional leadership in literacy education. The award honors individuals who amplify student voices, make a significant impact on literacy work in their classrooms, and contribute meaningfully to their school and educational communities. Recipients are educators whose leadership extends beyond the classroom and who have driven change in literacy instruction, programming, or systems. The award is presented annually at the CEL Annual Convention.
