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

March 15, 2026

Covers round-trip airfare, hotel, meals for Summer Institute (year 1), plus airfare, registration, three nights’ lodging, and $50/day per diem for three days at NCTE Annual Convention (year 2)

Supports early career teachers of color in literacy education with mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities.

--- ## Description This award provides early career educators of color with two years of structured support to foster leadership and professional growth in literacy education. In the first year, recipients are paired with a mentor and attend the NCTE Summer Institute, with all major travel and lodging expenses covered. In the second year, recipients are given the opportunity to present at the NCTE Annual Convention, collaborate with NCTE leaders, and receive continued mentorship. The program aims to cultivate accomplished teaching careers among historically underrepresented groups in literacy education. --- ## Due Dates - March 15, 2026: Application deadline for the NCTE Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award --- ## Funding Amount - Award covers: - Year 1: Round-trip airfare, hotel, and meals for the Summer ECEOC Institute - Year 2: Round-trip airfare, complimentary registration, three nights’ lodging, and a $50 per diem for three days at the NCTE Annual Convention - Recipients also receive a plaque and two years of mentorship and professional development --- ## Eligibility - Practicing literacy educators of color (pre-K through university level) - Must be in the first five years of a paid teaching career - Must aspire to build a career in literacy education - Must provide a signed letter of support from a school principal (pre-K–12) or supervisor/dean/provost (university level) confirming release time for required events - NCTE membership is **not** required to apply, but recipients must become NCTE members to accept the award --- ## Application Process - Complete the [online application form](https://ncte.org/awards/eceoc-2026/) - Upload a current CV or resume - Provide a school profile (including student demographics) - Submit written statements on ambitions/goals, needs, project interests, and professional growth (each 350 words or less) - Upload a signed [letter of support](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-ECEOC-Support-Letter.pdf) from a school administrator or supervisor - Provide a reference letter from a colleague familiar with your professional work (can be uploaded or emailed to leadershift@ncte.org) - Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a virtual interview in spring 2026 --- ## Additional Information - Recipients will attend the ECEOC Summer Institute (July 2026, dates/location TBA) and the NCTE Annual Convention (November 18–20, 2027, location TBA) - Full participation in both years is expected, including release time from teaching duties - The program is designed to foster leadership, networking, and career advancement for educators of color in literacy fields --- ## External Links - [Award Program Page](https://www2.ncte.org/awards/ncte-early-career-educator-teacher-of-color-leadership-award) - [2026 Application Portal](https://ncte.org/awards/eceoc-2026/) - [Download Letter of Support Form (PDF)](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-ECEOC-Support-Letter.pdf) - [NCTE Membership Information](https://ncte.org/membership/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email/Phone | Website | |--------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | ECEOC Program Manager | leadershift@ncte.org | [Contact NCTE](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) | | NCTE Main Office | 217-328-3870 | [NCTE Home](https://ncte.org) |

NCTE Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award

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