National awards

The NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize, reward and promote excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession.

The NEA Foundation and the NEA present the awards jointly.

Nominations for 2027 will open in the fall of 2025!

Criteria

The Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize educators with outstanding professional practice who:

• Excel in the classroom.
• Advocate for the profession.
• Engage the community.
• Exhibit professional development leadership.
• Pay attention to diversity.

Prizes

The Education Minnesota awardee receives expense-paid travel to the NEA Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, D.C.

Five awardees are selected from state affiliates to receive the Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence, including $10,000 each and expense-paid travel for themselves and a guest. One of the five also receives the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence, which includes $25,000.

Nominations are currently closed.

This award honors individuals and organizations who have expanded educational opportunities for students who have been traditionally marginalized, and those who have advanced and expanded human and civil rights in their communities.

The NEA president presents the award during an awards dinner at NEA’s Representative Assembly. The awardee receives an all-expenses paid trip to attend and address both the NEA RA and the Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women. The winner is also invited to attend Educator Empowerment Day as part of pre-RA activities.