Everyday Champion Award
Overview
Overview
The National Center for Learning Disabilities is excited to recognize educators who prove that building strong relationships with students and families improves student success in the classroom and beyond. We are looking for general and special educators and school-related service providers working in K-12 settings who are committed to helping students with learning disabilities and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) thrive.
These Everyday Champions demonstrate their skills as relationship-builders by:
- Personalizing learning
- Supporting student mental health
- Celebrating neurodiversity
- Creating inclusive and welcoming spaces
- Believing in the potential of all students
- Finding creative ways to get students engaged in learning
The Everyday Champion Awards (ECA) will award $5000 to two educators and one direct service provider who make a positive impact on the lives of students with LD and/or ADHD.
NCLD will celebrate award winners during the LD Summit in October 2025 in Washington, D.C.
K-5 Educator Award
This award will recognize one educator working with Kindergarten through 5th grade students.
Criteria
- General education teacher or special education teacher.
- Must currently work in a K-5 public school, charter school, private school, or specialized learning environment.
- The nomination must include specific examples of how this educator has built relationships with and supported students with LD and/or ADHD.
- Has not, to the best of their knowledge, received a similar national award within the past 18 months.
6-12 Educator Award
This award will recognize one educator working with middle or high school students.
Criteria
- General education teacher or special education teacher.
- Must currently work in a 6-12 public, charter, private, or specialized learning environment.
- The nomination must include specific examples of how this educator has built relationships with and supported students with LD and/or ADHD.
- Has not, to the best of their knowledge, received a similar national award within the past 18 months.
Paraprofessional & Direct-Service Provider Award
This award will recognize one paraprofessional or school-related service provider working with students in K-12.
Criteria
- Must be currently working in a K-12 public school, charter school, private school, or specialized learning environment in one of the following roles:
- Paraprofessional, aide, or teaching assistant
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
- School Counselor
- Reading or Math Specialist
- AVID Tutor
- The nomination must include specific examples of how this individual has built relationships with and supported students with LD and/or ADHD.
Submit your nomination!
Nominations can be made by:
- Current or former students
- Parents and/or caregivers of students
- Fellow teachers or coworkers
- Family members
- Community member
- School administrator
Self-nominations are welcome!
The nomination form includes multiple-choice questions and 3 essay questions. Please allow 20-30 minutes to complete it.
Questions
Questions about criteria and award categories may be directed to info@ncld.org.
2025 Application Timeline
April 5: Application opens
May 30: Online application closes. Only complete applications will be considered.
July 15: NCLD will notify finalists
August 15: Finalist submissions are due
September 10: The award recipients will be notified
Past Winner
Hannah Olin: 2022 Educator Everyday Champion Award Winner