Share Your Story
Submit your own story or nominate a teacher you know by Monday, May 10, 2021.
Registration Closed
Congratulations to Our National UniversityTeacher of the Year!
As a leader in teacher education, National University is teaming up with Inspire Teaching & Learning and Harmony SEL to present the National University Teacher Award. Created to support educators like you, this award is our way of recognizing your courage, compassion, and dedication.
Five Regional Winners have been selected and awarded a gift of $10,000 and a full-tuition scholarship toward National University's Master of Arts in Social and Emotional Learning. One of the five Regional Winners has also been selected as the National University Teacher of the Year and has received a grand prize total of $50,000! To meet the NU Teacher of the Year, view our 2021 winners.
View 2021 Winners
How It Works
Simply fill out the application forms with as much detail as possible and submit the forms! Any teacher who meets the eligibility requirements and embeds the Inspirational Indicators in their daily instruction is welcome to apply.
Our committee reviews each and every submission and will reach out to those who qualify.
Not a teacher? Nominate an inspirational teacher you know! If the teacher you nominate meets the requirements, they will receive an email from National University Teacher Award with an invitation to participate and a request to complete an application.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a licensed/credentialed teacher — all grade levels and subject areas are eligible
- Teach at a Pre-K-12 school (public, private, or charter) in the United States
- Have an account with Harmony SEL or Inspire Teaching & Learning. Don’t have an account yet? Register at no cost here.
- Have a minimum of three years of classroom teaching
- Be a U.S. resident
Who We're Looking For
We want to hear about teachers who consistently demonstrate these key inspiration indicators in their classrooms:
Engages Students
Inspirational teachers reflect on and continuously improve their practice, and students engage in interesting learning opportunities.
Builds Confidence
Inspirational teachers build rapport by understanding students’ backgrounds, and students are resilient in the face of challenge.
Creates an Inclusive Environment
Inspirational teachers are caring and respectful, and students feel a sense of belonging due to relationships with peers and staff.
Motivates Students to Succeed
Inspirational teachers use assessments to improve their understanding of students, and students set goals and achieve their dreams.
Gives Students a Voice
Inspirational teachers engage in a high support/high demand approach, and students are confident, curious, and have a voice.
“Social emotional learning really is … a key component to making sure that our students can have access to equitable experiences.”
-Melody Hawkins, Austin-East High School, 2021 National University Teacher of the Year