Background

The NASUP Exemplary PK12 Mentor Teacher Award recognizes school-based clinical educators who demonstrate excellence in supporting, coaching, and mentoring preservice and/or inservice teachers in their professional growth. Exemplary mentor teachers engage in ongoing, reflective practices, high quality coaching practices, and modeling of effective instructional practices. 

Eligibility

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

• Be a full-time PK12 teacher member of NASUP at the time of the Annual Conference
• Be actively engaged in mentoring preservice and/or inservice teachers within the last 12 months within a School-University Partnership
• Attend the annual conference the year being nominated for this award 
• Receive a nomination from a member of NASUP or self-nominate as a member of NASUP

Criteria

Promoting exemplary practice through demonstrated leadership. Nominees should have a long-running, consistent record of the following: 

• Enacting exemplary coaching, and/or mentorship practices that are grounded in research and/or theory
• Demonstrating a commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement in their coaching and/or mentorship practices
• Effective communicator, with mentors conferring regularly with partners (University Supervisor, Principals, Mentor teachers) to support understanding of various roles in partnership and improve efficacy of partnership.
• Documented impact of their coaching and mentorship activities  

Nominations

Nominations must include the following: 

• A letter that includes specific examples of the criteria listed above. The letter should be no more than 3 single-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins.
• A copy of the nominees resume/vita.
  Note:  Self-nominations are allowed. 

An optional additional supporting letter may also be included. This letter should be no more than 2 single-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins. 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.  NASUP members may nominate candidates by letter or email to the Awards Committee using this link.
2. All nominations and supporting materials must be submitted electronically to the NASUP Awards committee no later than December 5, 2025.
3. A sub-committee of the Awards Committee will review nominations using a simple rubric based on the eligibility conditions and criteria detailed above.
4. 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.