Everyday Champion Award

Celebrating Connections that Drive Student Success

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 its upcoming benefit on December 5, 2024.

Submit your Application

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.

Submit a Nomination

Questions

Questions about criteria and award categories may be directed to info@ncld.org

2024 Application Timeline

August 10: Application opens

September 30: Online application closes. Only complete applications will be considered.

October 15: NCLD will notify finalists 

October 30: Finalist submissions are due

November 15: The award recipients will be notified 

Past Winner

Hannah Olin: 2022 Educator Everyday Champion Award Winner