This award recognizes three educators who are fostering exceptional learning environments rooted in evidence-based practices. This award honors individuals who demonstrate:

a deep knowledge of and commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction
proven impact on student success
exemplary leadership and commitment to professional learning
commitment to implementing equitable literacy instruction for all students

Eligibility Requirements

Regional Requirement: Applicants must be a current educator working in a school within Shelby County, including Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Arlington, Lakeland, or Millington. Strong consideration will be given to applicants teaching in schools that serve historically marginalized or underserved student populations.
Employment: Applicants must be a current PreK-12 general education, ESL, special education, or intervention teacher actively engaged in literacy instruction or support.
Instructional Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of experience implementing evidence-based literacy practices as a PreK-12 classroom teacher by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Conference Participation: If awarded, finalists must be available to attend the Memphis Literacy Conference on September 19, 2026.

Application Deadline: June 1st, 2026