Educator of the Year Detailed Information

Overview

I. Purpose

The Educator of the Year award is conferred upon alumni of Concordia University, St. Paul who have demonstrated exemplary performance in creating communities of learning that positively engage students, family, and the community at large.

II. Presentation

This award will be presented annually during Homecoming weekend by a representative of the Alumni Advisory Council.

III. Nominations

Nominations shall be solicited on an ongoing basis by the Alumni Advisory Council and through the Alumni & Friends website. Nominees shall be eligible for selection for two years following the date the nomination is received.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, a person must:

• Be a living, degreed alumnus/a of Concordia University or Concordia Academy (prior to 1972) when nominated. Awards may be given posthumously if the recipient was living when nominated;
• Be an alumnus/a with at least eight years of teaching experience;
• Hold a degree or teaching certification from Concordia St. Paul;
• Currently working at least 50% of the time directly with students in a school setting;
• An individual is only eligible for nomination in one category per awarding cycle.

Criteria

To be considered for nomination, a person must:

• Demonstrates notable commitment to the mission of Concordia University, St. Paul in the field of education that separates the nominee from others in the field;
• Dedication to bringing communities/groups together to create a successful learning environment;
• Demonstrates ability to utilize strategies for lifelong learning that incorporate and embody 21st century innovation;
• Distinctiveness of performance above and beyond others.
  The individual submitting the nomination must: complete the required questionnaire and submit two references to provide additional material and information. The references will be contacted by the Alumni Office.

IV. Selection of the Recipient

1. The call for nominations shall be regularly advertised via direct e-mail, alumni e-newsletter and on the official university alumni & friends website. The deadline for submitting nominees being at least six months prior to Homecoming each year. 
2. The selection committee, which consists of the Alumni Director and the Alumni Advisory Council Awards Committee, shall make the selection(s) at least four months prior to Homecoming.
3. The Alumni Advisory Council Awards Committee chairperson shall announce its selection(s) to the Executive Committee.
4. After the council has reviewed the selection s), the following procedures will be followed:
   • The university president will call the nominee(s) to inform them of the award.
   • The Director of Alumni Relations will send a follow-up letter of congratulations signed by the President. 
   • The Director of Alumni Relations will:
     • Include in the letter the request for a picture and a biography that can be used for publicity.
     • Order the presentation award and provide all pertinent information for inclusion in the Concordia St. Paul Magazine.
     • Write and thank all people that sent in nominations. The letter would also include the information as to who received the award.
     • Shall be responsible for maintaining the files on nominees and for all correspondence.

(Updated January 2021)