About the NYSEC Awards
The New York State English Council understands that educators involved with professional organizations are more informed about current information on national and local programs and initiatives. The programs and awards supported by NYSEC provide opportunities for professional leadership, promote excellence in English education, and foster collegiality and camaraderie among ELA educators throughout New York State. These programs and awards are the heart of our mission. These programs and awards help keep NYSEC educators informed, enthusiastic, and unified. We encourage everyone to help us celebrate the outstanding teachers, students, mentors, and programs that we have in districts all across the state.
Award Applications
Award Categories
Educators of Excellence
Each year the New York State English Council recognizes excellence in teaching by presenting Awards at its annual conference to English Language Arts educators nominated by their schools and then selected by the Council.
Only one nomination per building and/or level (elementary, middle, secondary, college and administration/supervision) may be submitted.
There must be a NYSEC member in the school/district. The nominee must be a full-time educator, currently employed and have at least 3 years teaching or administrative/supervisory experience.
It is the responsibility of the nominator to submit all materials at the same time, and the nomination form and documentation must be submitted by the deadline. All materials become the property of NYSEC unless they are retrieved at Friday’s Awards Luncheon.
The Council will honor award winners at a luncheon at the annual NYSEC Conference on Friday afternoon.
Library/Media Specialist of Excellence
This award recognizes a Library / Media Specialist who cultivates a passion for reading, takes significant steps to provide students with diverse and inclusive texts, and who fosters research and student inquiry in collaboration with classroom teachers.
Only one nomination per building and/or level (elementary, middle, secondary, college and administration/supervision) may be submitted.
There must be a NYSEC member in the school/district. The nominee must be a full-time educator, currently employed and have at least 3 years teaching or administrative/supervisory experience.
It is the responsibility of the nominator to submit all materials at the same time. All materials become the property of NYSEC unless they are retrieved at Friday’s Awards Luncheon.
The Council will honor award winners at a luncheon at the annual NYSEC Conference on Friday afternoon.
Collaborators of Excellence
The New York State English Council recognizes excellence in team teaching by presenting Awards at its annual conference to two educators, at least one of whom is an English Language Arts teacher, nominated by their schools and then selected by the Council. The team must work collaboratively together and share responsibility for interdisciplinary curriculum, lesson design, or instruction of a shared group of students.
Only one nomination per building and/or level (elementary, middle, secondary, college and administration/supervision) may be submitted. There must be a NYSEC member in the school/district. The nominees must be full-time educators, currently employed and have at least 3 years teaching or administrative/supervisory experience.
It is the responsibility of the nominator to submit all materials at the same time. All materials become the property of NYSEC unless they are retrieved at Friday’s Awards Luncheon.
The Council will honor award winners at a luncheon at the annual NYSEC Conference on Friday afternoon.
Creative Writing Contest for Students Grades 9-12
We are looking for teachers to submit student writing in two categories: poetry and short fiction/ creative nonfiction. Poems should be 20 lines or fewer, and short fiction should be no longer than 500 words.
Students are invited to write about diversity and culture to coincide with NYSEC’s Annual Conference Theme: Writing Home. A winner will be chosen in each category. The winners and their teachers will be honored at a luncheon at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, New York. School districts are asked to submit no more than six student writing entries.