The Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation is now accepting applications for the Excellence in Education Merit and Character Awards. Excellence in Education Merit Awards are given in six categories and Character Awards are given in two categories. The nomination deadline is Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.
Merit Awards
As you decide whom to honor with your nomination, consider which educators have served as role models for both students and teachers alike. Who has consistently displayed integrity, professionalism and excellence in the classroom?
- Use this Merit Award nomination form for:
- Elementary Educator (Grades PK-5)
- Junior High Educator (Grades 6-8)
- High School Educator (Grades 9-12)
- Special Education Educator (PK-12)
- Non-Certified: Any paraprofessional, teacher’s aide, cafeteria worker, secretary, custodian, bus driver, etc.
- *Music, Art, PE, etc. teachers should be nominated in the category that best describes the student group they serve.
- Use this nomination form for “Olan Isbell” Award: Any administrator, librarian, or counselor serving grades PK-12 (must be nominated by a non-administrator).
Character Awards
The POEF Board of Directors will evaluate the Teacher Character and School Character Award nominees and select recipients based upon the following criteria:
- Does the teacher model good character in his/her personal and professional life?
- Does the teacher define and purposefully teach good character?
- Does the teacher purposefully incorporate character-based activities such as object lessons, examples, stories and discussions to illustrate good character?
- Does the teacher recognize and praise students for good character?
- For the School Character Award, does the administrator lead in the support and direction of teaching character in their school?
Nomination Forms
- Educator Merit Awards (Elementary, Junior High, High School, Special Education or Non-Certified)
- Olan Isbell Award
- Teacher Character
- School Character
You may nominate one to three outstanding educators using the online forms. Please note that in each category, your nominee MUST be a current Professional Oklahoma Educators member.
Thank you for taking the time to honor some of Oklahoma’s finest educators by nominating them for Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation’s prestigious Excellence in Education Merit & Character Awards.
Awards Banquet
The Excellence in Education Awards Banquet will be held April 8, 2022 at the Skirvin Hilton in Downtown Oklahoma City.