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ISTE OUTSTANDING YOUNG EDUCATOR AWARD

This annual award will be presented to an outstanding young educator (under the age of 35) who demonstrates vision, innovation, action, and transformation using technology to improve teaching and learning. The work of the selected educator will reflect ISTE's mission and purpose and can be used to model best practices in the field.  

The person selected to receive this award will:

• Be honored at ISTE's annual conference and exposition in Denver, Colorado June 27-30, 2010
• Receive up to $1000.00 toward travel to the conference
• Receive a complimentary ISTE 2010 conference registration
• Receive a one year Standard ISTE membership
• Receive an inscribed award plaque

Nominations for the ISTE Outstanding Young Educator Award will open on January 5, 2010. In the meantime join ISTE's Young Educator Network.

Nomination Materials:

• A letter of support from the nominees' direct supervisor
• A letter of support from the nominees' chief staff representative (principal, district superintendent, dean, etc., as appropriate) that addresses the nominees' impact within his or her organization. (If the nominees' direct supervisor is also the chief staff representative, the nominee may substitute a letter from a colleague.)
• An additional (optional) letter of support from a colleague
• A 1-2 minute video that addresses the following theme: "What role do you believe technology plays in making a positive difference in learning and teaching?"
• 1-2 artifacts that demonstrate one or more achievements in the learning environment, digital citizenship, or school leadership. These might include a lesson plan, report, video, etc. The nominee should briefly describe why the artifact demonstrates the above.
• A current CV or resume
• A 400 dpi headshot
• A signed ISTE Release Form
• Proof of age (scanned copy of birth certificate, passport, or photo ID that includes birth date)
• Responses to the following three questions:
  • Please describe how you model an understanding of the social, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities related to our evolving digital culture and how you use this understanding to positively impact your students and/or team members.[Limited to 500 words.]
  • Please describe how you use the principles and ideals of the NETSto develop and facilitate authentic learning opportunities in your work. Provide specific examples of projects, lesson plans, or outcomes. [Limited to 500 words.]
  • What methods or resources do you use to continuously improve your professional practice? What impact does this have on your school or professional community? [Limited to 500 words.]

Selection Criteria

1. Required nomination materials are complete and submitted by deadline.
2. The nominee is an educator who will still be under the age of 35 on July 15 of this year.  (If no, nominee is disqualified.)
3. The nominee exhibits exemplary knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
4. The nominee's work models an understanding of social, ethical and legal issues and responsibilities related to an evolving digital culture, and facilitates this understanding for the students and/or team members with whom he or she works.
5. The nominee designs, develops, and evaluates authentic learning opportunities and projects incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.
6. The nominee has integrated deliberate planning in an effort to improve education through the use of technology.
7. The nominee continuously improves his or her professional practice and exhibits leadership in his or her school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.
8. The quality of education and/or work experience has been significantly advanced in the nominee’s workplace as a result of the nominee's efforts.
9. The nominee is an active member of professional organizations.
10. The nominee has contributed to the profession by presenting at professional conferences, seminars and/or workshops or publishing articles in print or through electronic media.
11. The nominee's work reflects the mission and purpose of ISTE.
12. The nominee will represent ISTE well in all forums.

Download the Oustanding Young Educator Award rubric (Excel)