Eligible: Undergraduate or Graduate BIPOC Aspiring Educator ISTA members 

The Ann Wilkins Legacy Scholarship is designed to increase the pipeline of well-qualified Black, Indigenous, or Educators of Color in Indiana. The scholarship was named for Ann Wilkins, a former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher, Indianapolis Education Association President, and ISTA UniServ Director. It awards $1,000 per semester for up to two semesters, for any BIPOC undergraduate or graduate student who is in a full-time practicum experience pursing licensure in education in any one of the Indiana Approved Educator Preparation Programs. Prospective students must be a current ISTA Aspiring Educator member and plan to pursue employment in any public school system in Indiana. Prospective candidates will also be expected to submit two letters of reference and complete a 500 word or fewer essay explaining why a racially diverse faculty is essential to the learning outcomes of Hoosier students. One of these letters of recommendation must be submitted from an official in the Educator Preparation Program where the applicant is enrolled.

Nomination deadline is April 15th for spring semester applicants and November 15th for fall semester applicants. The Racial Affairs Committee will evaluate the applications and choose an awardee.

Questions? Contact Brytnie Jones at bjones@ista-in.org.

Career Scholarship
Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to students with demonstrated academic achievement and leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years if eligibility requirements are met and a transcript is submitted.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete the application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell.

Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors
This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue a teaching certificate. The scholarship was named for Damon P. Moore, an African-American educator, who served three terms as ISTA president and continues to be a positive role model for young minorities aspiring to enter the education field. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete the application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell at cbell@ista-in.org.

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to students actively pursuing a degree in education who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete the application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell at cbell@ista-in.org. 

Eligible: Public high school seniors pursuing a degree in education (renewable for three years)

This scholarship is open to a public high school senior pursuing a degree in education. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded for a total of four years if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA enrolled in an education curriculum at an accredited college or university in Indiana. Applicants for the need-based scholarship must also meet the income criteria of at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement, submission of an essay and recommendations and financial need. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete the application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Contact Camille bell at cbell@ista-in.org.

Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors

This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue industrial arts, vocational education or technical preparation at an accredited post-secondary institution. This scholarship was named for Louis Russell, an African-American industrial arts educator, who acquired international recognition as the world’s longest-living heart transplant patient. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for one consecutive year.

Applicants must be a minority pursuing education in the vocational arts and a graduate of the class of the current year entering a fully-accredited postsecondary institution as a freshman. Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete the application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell at cbell@ista-in.org.

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are children, stepchildren, grandchildren or step grandchildren of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to graduates of a public high school in December or May/June of the school year of application who had at least a C average, plan to participate in a formal accredited training program in the fall (apprenticeship, trade school, cosmetology, etc.) or attend a two- to four-year accredited college or university and are the children or grandchildren (stepchildren and step grandchildren qualify) of an ISTA member. The applicant does not need to have attended high school in the same district in which the ISTA member teaches, nor live with the ISTA member.

ISTA Foundation contributes to the scholarships that are awarded locally. Nominations for the district scholarship should be submitted by April 1. Scholarship checks are mailed or presented to the scholarship awardees by July.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell at cbell@ista-in.org

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, or legal dependents of current ISTA members.

This scholarship is open to graduates of a public high school in December or May/June of the school year of application who had at least a C average, plan to participate in a formal accredited training program in the fall (apprenticeship, trade school, cosmetology, etc.) or attend a two- to four-year accredited college or university. The applicant does not need to have attended high school in the same district in which the ISTA member teaches, nor live with the ISTA member.

ISTA Foundation contributes to the scholarships that are awarded locally. All nominations for retired scholarship should be submitted by April 1 and will be sent to the Retired Scholarship Committee for consideration. Scholarship checks are mailed or presented to the scholarship awardees by July.

Questions? Contact Becky Koerner for the ISTA-Retired scholarship.

This scholarship is open to ISTA members who are candidates for National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The ISTA Foundation accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 1. The scholarship is awarded on a first come, first served basis as applications are received, provided the applicant meets all scholarship criteria.

Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication for the community. Nominations are open to ISTA members who recently completed or are currently completing a community service project outside the classroom. Each District Council determines its own criteria and selects a district honoree. The ISTA Issues and Concerns Committee reviews and recommends honorees to the board of directors.

Application deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President.

Questions? Contact John O’Neal.

Eligible: ISTA ESP members

This award recognizes extraordinary efforts by education support professionals (ESP) on behalf of kids. Nominees must be an ISTA ESP member (in good standing) working in a public education support position who are youth-oriented and have gone beyond the usual expectations of their job description. Nominations will be evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the ISTA president. Follow-up interviews by phone or in-person with nominees or references may be included in the process.
 

Nomination deadline is March 1, 2025, with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA president. The honoree will be Indiana’s candidate for the NEA/ESP of the Year Award and will receive funding to attend the NEA ESP Conference.
 

Questions? Contact Camille Bell.

Eligible: Community supporters of public education

This award recognizes an individual and/or organization whose leadership and support have contributed to statewide improvement of Indiana’s public schools. Nominees should reflect philosophies and principles compatible with ISTA’s mission and vision. Any ISTA member or local association may nominate an individual or organization. Nominations will be evaluated by the ISTA Executive Committee.  The basis of award criteria shall be: leadership, acts, and support of public education on a state level that establish the nominee as a true friend of public education, education employees, or students.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President.
 

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

Eligible: ISTA members
  Supported by Horace Mann.
  Guidelines are based on the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
  This award recognizes an ISTA member who exemplifies professional practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement and leadership in professional development.
 

Nominations must be made by an ISTA member based on the following criteria.
 

Professional Practice

1. Advocacy for the Profession
2. Attention to Diversity
3. Community Engagement
4. Leadership in Professional Development

Please carefully read the detailed nomination guidelines below to ensure nominee meets criteria and applicant prepares and supplies all necessary information.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation generously recognizes the Hoosier Educator of the Year with a monetary award. The Hoosier honoree is sent to the NEA Foundation as Indiana’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. State affiliate nominees with technology leadership experience will be considered for a separate and distinct honor, the AOL@School NEA Foundation Award for Technology Leadership.
Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller.
 

HOOSIER EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD GUIDELINES  

BASED UPON NEA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE 

PURPOSE

This recognizes an ISTA member who exemplifies professional practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development. 

Nominations must be made by an ISTA member and based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA 

Applications for the award are judged according to five criteria. Selection committee members rate applicants on each criterion using the point value indicated below.

1. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

The nominee demonstrates instructional expertise, creativity, and innovation. The nominee uses a variety of pedagogical techniques and effectively addresses students' different learning styles and needs. The nominee is an instructional leader at the local, state, and/or national level. (15 points)

2. ADVOCACY FOR THE PROFESSION

The nominee is a current, active member of the local, state, and/or national education association, and has assumed leadership roles at one or more of these levels. The nominee is an active member of other professional organizations and engages in activities that advance the profession and public education. The nominee speaks out on behalf of public education, educators, and students. (15 points)

3. ATTENTION TO DIVERSITY

The nominee works to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students, regardless of differences. The nominee recognizes and explicitly addresses the full array of values, cultures, and experiences represented in our diverse modern society, both through curriculum and instruction and in other interactions with students. (10 points)

4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The nominee frequently interacts with parents and other community members on substantive education issues. The nominee brings community resources to the classroom and conducts service learning projects with his or her students in the community. (5 points)

5. LEADERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The nominee continually engages in experiences to improve his or her practice and to gain new skills and knowledge. The nominee shares this new learning with colleagues in a variety of venues. The nominee's participation in and commitment to professional development has a visible impact on his or her institution, students, and community. (5 points)

CONTENTS OF NOMINATION 

Nomination packages must include all of the items listed below. Formatting instructions are noted for each section where applicable. 

A. All requested contact information

B. Applicant's Statement

C. Attachments: Nomination Letter, Resume and up to 3 Endorsement Letters

APPLICANT'S STATEMENT

3400 words maximum. 

The applicant’s statement must be written by the applicant, as a first-person narrative. The statement includes specific examples to illustrate all five of the award criteria. The questions below do not need to be copied verbatim in the text. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to include headings or keywords related to the criteria to aid the selection committee in their reading.

1. What are the most successful innovations that you have introduced in your classroom or school? What strategies or methods do you use to ensure that all students achieve at a high level? How do you act as an instructional leader?

2. How has your involvement in the National Education Association or Indiana State Teachers Association contributed to your success as an educator? How would you persuade a new colleague to join or become more active in the association? In what other ways do you serve as an advocate for the profession and for public education?

3. What community resources do you bring to the classroom to enhance your lessons and student achievement? What service learning projects have you conducted with your students to benefit the community?

4. What experiences or activities have been most beneficial to your professional knowledge, skills, and practice? How have you contributed to the professional development of your colleagues? How has your professional growth made a difference for your school or university, your students, and your community? Include examples.

5. How do you address issues of diversity in your curriculum and instruction and in other interactions with students? What is the result of such efforts? How does your approach to diversity affect your work?

6. If you have not already done so, tell a story about how your approach to teaching made a difference for a student or a group of students.

7. What advice would you give to someone entering the profession on how to attain teaching excellence?

ATTACHMENTS 

1. NOMINATION LETTER

Three pages maximum, double spaced, 12-point or larger type.

2. RESUME

Two pages maximum. 

The resume provides a brief, factual overview of the applicant’s career, including positions held, degrees attained, honors received, etc. The resume may also describe personal achievements or activities that are not noted elsewhere. 

3. ENDORSEMENT LETTERS

Up to three letters, two pages maximum each, double-spacing preferred. Letters must be submitted with all other materials. 

Letters of endorsement are written by the applicant’s local affiliate president, colleagues, current or former students, parents, or community members. Letters should be signed, if possible, and the salutation should address the ISTA Professional Practices and Standards Committee or the national selection panel for The NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Selection

The Hoosier Educator of the Year will be recognized at an ISTA event.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions of retired members of ISTA-Retired who have demonstrated strong leadership in the Association. Nominations may be made by any member, chapter, local or District Council and must include supportive materials such as newsletters, news clips, pictures, videos, letters of recommendation, etc. A strong emphasis will be placed on specific retired activities.

Criteria for selection includes:

• Acted to promote ISTA-Retired.

• Continued leadership in ISTA-Retired.

• Been involved in political action.

• Supporting benefits for retired people in the education family.

• Exhibited on-going efforts for the advancement of public education.

• Been a membership promoter and advocate for ISTA-Retired.

Application deadline is March 1. 

You may apply for the award beginning January 1.

Questions on how to upload information? Contact Roni Embry, rembry@ista-in.org, and/or Becky Koerner, bkoerner@ista-in.org.

Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes Association activism and engagement within the first five years as educators. This award was named for Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller who was a past state president of ISEA who demonstrated tremendous promise as an Association advocate and leader. He passed away before he could fully realize his dream of teaching. Nominees may be nominated by any active ISTA member or they may be self-nominated with the endorsement of one additional active ISTA member. Applications must detail the nominee’s activism in relationship with ISTA’s strategic goals.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President. The ISTA Governance Committee will evaluate and make recommendations to the board.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

Eligible: Retiring ISTA members
This award recognizes members in the year of their retirement or the year immediately following retirement for a lifetime of achievement at the local level as well as the district, state or national level. A subcommittee of the Governance Committee will evaluate nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. All members are urged to nominate deserving members. There is no limit to the number of awards given in any one year.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President. The names of honorees are placed on a plaque in the ISTA building.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes outstanding, active minority classroom educators. Nominees must be active ISTA members, participate in the Association and receive recommendations from the local association president and a colleague. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member and include nominee’s educational background, work experience, Association involvement, community and civic engagement and other relevant experience.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President. The Racial Affairs Committee will evaluate nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell @ cbell@ista-in.org

This award is in memoriam of an ISTA communications director.
Eligible: ISTA members and local associations

The purpose of the ISTA N. Robert Montfort Communications Award shall be to recognize outstanding communications efforts of members and local affiliates (not by professional staff).  Where meritorious entries are submitted, the publication dates of March 1, except for Legislative Bulletins/Newsletters, of the previous year will be used.

All entries, with the exception of editorials, must include printed reference to the local’s affiliation with the ISTA and NEA or must include the United Education Profession (Local, State, and National), (UEP) Logo.
The Governance Committee and its communications subcommittee will evaluate the nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.



 

Eligible: ISTA members, local associations, District Councils or other committees

The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award is designed to recognize current outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication in advancing the status of education in Indiana. The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter is awarded to outstanding active members, local associations and District Councils or other committees established by and limited to active members of the Association. A committee appointed by the ISTA president will evaluate the nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. The honoree will receive an exclusive pin, trophy and recognition in the Association’s publications.

The Pacesetter Award was renamed in June 2019 to honor and recognize the outstanding lifetime work of Nathan G. Schnellenberger.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, determined by the ISTA President.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

PURPOSE 

The Outstanding Treasurer Award was established to reward well‐trained, effective local and district council treasurers and to recognize them for their service and dedication to their associations. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To qualify for an Outstanding Treasurer Award, a treasurer must comply with the criteria outlined in the nomination form which covers membership dues remittal, financial records and training. 

SELECTION OF RECIPIENT Treasurers who meet all the criteria for the award and are nominated by their local presidents or district council chairs automatically receive the award. PRESENTATION Each recipient is recognized at a local or district event and receives a certificate and a letter of recognition from the ISTA treasurer. 

LOCAL PRESIDENT/DISTRICT COUNCIL CHAIR 

To earn this prestigious award, your treasurer must have met the following qualifications during the current fiscal year: 

• The local treasurer has forwarded ISTA and NEA membership dues in accordance with the ISTA Bylaws with no outstanding charges to the local Association by ISTA during the fiscal year.

• The local association or district council has a properly adopted financial budget.

• Financial reports were prepared and given at least once during the fiscal year.

• The treasurer attended at least one treasurer’s workshop within the past two fiscal years.

• The local president or district council chair verifies that all the above activities have been accomplished to the benefit of the members.

Eligible:  ISTA members, education advocates, local associations
This award recognizes individuals — ISTA members or education advocates — and local associations who have made a significant contribution to advancing human and civil rights in education. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member or local association. Nominations must include two letters of recommendation and a written statement by the nominator outlining the candidate’s efforts in achieving one or more of the following goals:
 

• Protect and advance the human and civil rights and responsibilities of educators and students.
• Work to increase respect, understanding and acceptance toward individuals and groups in our Association, our schools and our communities.
• Advance equal educational opportunities for all students.
• Develop and implement programs that will inform teachers about human and civil rights and how they can be carried out.
• Work toward equitable salaries and working conditions.
• Eliminate discrimination in the hiring, displacement and personnel practices of school corporations.
• Develop and implement curriculum that promotes the concept of cultural pluralism.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, to be determined by the ISTA President. The Minority Affairs Committee will evaluate nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors.
Questions? Contact Camille Bell

Eligible:  News media professionals
This award recognizes exceptional work by news media professionals who support the philosophy of ISTA and public education. Eligible nominees include newspapers, broadcast and radio as well as individual reporters with the entry submission having been published/aired during the 12-month period preceding the March 1 deadline. Nominations must be made by an individual member through your local association president or District Council chairperson. One nomination each may be submitted for newspaper, broadcast and radio.

Nomination deadline is March 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event, to be determined by the ISTA President. The Issues and Concerns Committee communications subcommittee will evaluate the nominations and make recommendations based on accuracy, objectivity, depth of reporting and the submission’s contribution to public education and/or school employee advocacy.

Questions? Contact John O’Neal.

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators members
This scholarship awards $500 to four ISTA Aspiring Educators members. Applicants should be current Aspiring Educators members, interested in a career in education, active in their local chapter and committed to the foundations of the ISTA Aspiring Educators program.

Applicants should be prepared to write an essay and request two letters of recommendation and submit a current transcript.      

Recommendations must be received by March 1st.

Questions? Please contact Angela Miller @ Amiller@ista-in.org

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators seeking special education certification.  $500
Jesamie Moore was a senior at IUPUI working on a dual license in elementary and special education. She devoted time and energy as an active aspiring educator and her GPA. She participated in the Spring 2006 Outreach to Teach and worked at the Book Fair. This scholarship to honor Jesamie Moore is for a student seeking certification in special education.

Applicants should be prepared to write an essay and request two letters of recommendation and submit a current transcript. Recommendations must be received by March 1st.

Questions? Please contact Angela Miller @ Amiller@ista-in.org

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators university or college advisor
This award recognizes an ISTA Aspiring Educators advisor at a university or college Aspiring Educators chapter. The recipient is identified as an advisor that demonstrates dedication and service to the ISTA Aspiring Educators program at the local/chapter level.

Nominators should be prepared to submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Nomination deadline is March 1.

Questions? Please contact Angela Miller @ Amiller@ista-in.org

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators 

This award recognizes a local student chapter that has facilitated leadership and development opportunities in the areas of teacher quality, community outreach and political advocacy. Applicants should evaluate the chapter’s success in community outreach, teacher quality, political action and organization and infrastructure. Applicants should be prepared to write four essays and submit supporting materials.  Nomination deadline is March 1.

Questions? Please contact Angela Miller @ Amiller@ista-in.org

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators member in freshman or sophomore year of college
This award recognizes a freshman or sophomore who has exhibited leadership to their local chapter. Contributions to the local chapter should include: improving the local chapter, participation in professional development activities, impact on members and the community and ability to differentiate themselves from other freshman and sophomore ISTA Aspiring Educators members.

Nominators should be prepared to write an essay and submit two letters of recommendation.
Nomination deadline is March 1.

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators local chapter leaders

This award recognizes an ISTA Aspiring Educators local chapter leader who has provided excellent leadership to their Aspiring Educators chapter throughout the year. Nominees should demonstrate their ability to strengthen and grow local student chapter, participate in professional development opportunities, support existing programs/project and/or develop new ones, impact student members and the community, commit to providing opportunities for others and develop upcoming leaders and focus on inclusion, teamwork and communication.
Nominators should be prepared to write an essay and submit two letters of recommendation.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller

Eligible: ISTA Aspiring Educators seniors.  $100.  
This honor recognizes two seniors who have contributed to the work and promotion of ISTA Aspiring Educators, both at the state and chapter level. The $100 award recognizes active ISTA Aspiring Educators members in their senior year of college.

Applicants should be prepared to outline their involvement in ISTA Aspiring Educators in an essay.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller.

Eligible: Local associations and District Councils
This grant is open to a local association, two or more local associations jointly or a District Council to initiate creative projects/programs, which enhance public education in our local communities. The $500 grant is awarded annually, and as funding permits, grant renewal may be considered.

Criteria for selection includes the project/program’s link to the community, the applicant’s commitment to the project/program, the promotion and enhancement of public education and the ongoing effort to support public education. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 30 with all supportive materials included. The Issues and Concerns communications subcommittee will review applications and make recommendations to the board of directors for grants to be awarded by Jan. 15.

 Questions? Contact John O'Neal.

Eligible: Local associations and/or District Councils

This grant is open to local associations and District Councils to provide professional development to their members. For the purposes of this grant, professional development is any program or process that results in developing the skills of educators, increases student learning or improves school or classroom quality.

The grant provides a disbursement of $1 for every member in the local association or District Council, whichever applies. Annual funding for this grant is limited.

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Professional Practices & Standards Committee will review and approve grant applications quarterly by the following dates: Nov. 15, Feb. 15, May 15 and Aug. 15. The grant summary form must be submitted 30 days after the last grant activity is completed, or by Aug. 31, whichever is sooner.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller.

Only locals or district councils may apply for this grant. Individual members are not eligible.

Grants will be approved by the Professional Practices & Standards Committee by the following dates: 

Nov. 15         Feb. 15         May 15        Aug.15