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

June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2026

No monetary award; recipients are honored with certificates and public recognition at NCTE events and in publications.

Recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions nominated by NCTE affiliates for advancing intellectual freedom or fighting censorship in English language arts.

--- ## Description This award, established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), honors individuals, groups, or institutions recognized by state, regional, or provincial NCTE affiliates for significant contributions to the cause of intellectual freedom or for fighting censorship within English language arts. Each participating affiliate may name one recipient per year, who is then recognized at the NCTE Annual Convention and in official NCTE publications. The award celebrates both recent acts and sustained leadership defending intellectual freedom. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2025: Nominations due for the 2025 cycle - June 30, 2026: Projected annual nomination deadline --- ## Funding Amount - There is no monetary award. - Recipients receive a certificate prepared by NCTE and are recognized at the Affiliate Breakfast during the NCTE Annual Convention. - Awardees are also listed in the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award Roster and highlighted in NCTE publications. --- ## Eligibility - Only state, regional (including multi-state), or provincial affiliates of NCTE may submit nominations. - Nominees may be: - Individuals, groups, or institutions. - Educators or noneducators. - Honored either for a specific recent event (e.g., a censorship dispute) or for ongoing leadership in intellectual freedom. - The same nominee may not be honored two years in succession. - Affiliates choose whether or not to participate each year. --- ## Application Process - The affiliate's governing body authorizes a judging panel and determines the nominating process, which may include soliciting nominations from local or intrastate affiliates. - Nominations must be submitted by June 30 using the [official submission form](https://ncte.org/groups/affiliates/affiliate-intellectual-freedom-form/). - Required documentation: - The completed submission form. - Concise documentation/testimony (minimum one single-spaced page, maximum three double-spaced pages), plus up to three pages of attachments (PDF format). - Advance permission from the nominee. - NCTE accepts all affiliate awards meeting the criteria and deadline without further review but may request additional clarification if necessary. --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are recognized publicly, but affiliates should be aware that some defenders of intellectual freedom may wish to avoid public notice due to ongoing scrutiny or pressure. - Examples of eligible honorees include teachers, administrators, public officials, or organizations who have taken a stand for intellectual freedom in education. --- ## External Links - [NCTE Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Award Program Page](https://ncte.org/awards/affilicate-ncte-intellectual-freedom-state-regional-provincial/) - [2025 Submission Form](https://ncte.org/groups/affiliates/affiliate-intellectual-freedom-form/) - [List of Past Award Recipients](https://ncte.org/awards/affilicate-ncte-intellectual-freedom-state-regional-provincial/) - [NCTE Affiliate Awards Overview](https://ncte.org/awards/ncte-affiliate-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | NCTE Affiliate Office Email | [affsec@ncte.org](mailto:affsec@ncte.org) | | NCTE Phone | 217-328-3870 | | General Contact Page | [NCTE Contact Us](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) |

NCTE Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Award

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