Background

This NASUP award recognizes an individual who is exemplary in meeting Essential 8 where the individual moves beyond the responsibilities of one’s job to impact a third space. Boundary spanners are situated in a “third space”  between university and PK12 settings and are not bound solely by the traditions or responsibilities of any one institution.  An exemplary PK20 boundary spanner innovates the systems or practices to enhance the learning of all of those involved in the partnership. 

Eligibility

In order for a candidate to be considered eligible for this award, they must:

• Be either a boundary-spanning university-based educator or PK12 school-based educator within a mutually beneficial partnership program
• Be a member of NASUP at the time of the Annual Conference 
• Attend the annual conference during the year nominated  
• Receive a nomination from a member of NASUP

Criteria

Promoting exemplary practice through demonstrated leadership and impact. Candidates will be considered in light of their contributions in one or more areas, including:

• Contributions to developing and enacting aspects of SUP practices which includes the NASUP 9 essentials within and/or beyond their organizations
• Collaborative nature of the work benefits both the university and PK12 school through continuous improvement and connections to theory and practice
• Deconstructing traditional power relationships through the support of and dialogue across contexts; work to understand roles and responsibilities across boundaries and relate to others across those boundaries
• Engaging in practices to understand and interpret differing perspectives that lead to the creation and/or maintenance of mutually beneficial school-university partnerships

Nominations

The nomination package must include: 

• A single nomination letter, no longer than 3 single-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins is required. Self nominations are acceptable. The letter should address the direct impact of boundary-spanning activities on one or several of the following: 
• PK-20 student learning
• Clinical practice for future teachers
• Professional learning for current teachers, administrators, or others
• Generating new knowledge through research or inquiry projects 
• Other tangible outcomes related to the boundary-spanning activities 
• A copy of the nominee’s resume or vita must also be included. 

Optional: One additional support letter, no longer than 3 single-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins can also be included.

Please note: Nomination letter and supporting letter must be from two different individuals. 

Nominators are encouraged to inform the nominee so that the nominee can provide any information that will assist in providing the nomination.

Selection Process

1. The period for nominations for the 2026 Award has passed.  Nominations for the 2027 Award will be available in late 2026. 
2. A sub-committee of the Awards Committee will review nominations using a rubric based on the eligibility conditions and criteria detailed above.
3. The winner(s) will be announced at the awards ceremony of the conference and publicized by press release to the honoree’s home institution and via the NASUP publications and website.

2026

• Michael Brosnan, Bridgeport Public Schools
• Danielle Butville, Pennsylvania State University
• Randi Latzke, University of South Florida

2025

• Daman Harris, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
• Chris Kennedy, Ohio University
• Meganlyn Norris & Shannon O’Donnell, Kutztown University & Schuylkill Valley Elementary School

2024

• Jenn Hatch Knight, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
• Drew Polly, Univesity of North Carolina at Charlotte

2023

• Dawn Nowlin, Whitehall Elementary, part of Bowie State University PDS Network
• Gina Dudkowski, South Buffalo Charter Schools, part of Buffalo State PDS Consortium
• Dr. Kristien Zenkov, George Mason University
• Dr. Elizabeth Hale, Tiger Academy, PDS School of University of North Florida