Educators play significant roles in developing the flexibility, adaptation,
and innovation needed to sustain our democratic society. They are in
unique positions to help young people explore their full range of potential. Educators teach more than skills. They instill values and encourage
children to be creative, curious, caring, and sensitive individuals.
The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education recognizes and
rewards those educators who have made outstanding contributions in
their classrooms, schools, and communities. The foundation strives to
foster respect for and appreciation of them. It also seeks to retain quality educators and attract others to the profession.
About the Awards
The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization,was established in 1990 to recognize and reward educators for their outstanding achievements and contributions in classrooms, schools, and communities. It provides six annual awards of $500 to
each group of school districts, to be used at the discretion of the individuals selected.
The awards for Excellence in Education validate the efforts and accomplishments of the recipients. Educators recognized for excellence act as catalysts for other educators by sharing their projects and insights at an annual Educators Forum. Their achievements are publicized by the Foundation and their school districts.
TheGoldin Foundation Educators Network, a multi-disciplinary listing of award recipients and their projects, is found on the website:(). The listing is distributed to participating school districts for the purpose of potential professional development. In this way, others in the schools and communities may benefit from and appreciate these contributions to the advancement of our society.
Eligibility
Any person or group working directly with students, teachers, other support staff within the school setting or in the community is eligible. Eligibility requires participation within the previous school year. Participants may include, but are not limited to, the following: certified classroom teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, school specialists, school nurses, part-time teachers, teacher’s aides, parents, and representatives of the community. Areas of participation may include but are not limited to the following:
Enriching innovative programs in the classroom school or community
Engaging in professional growth
Establishing programs for other educators
Designing programs that focus on special populations
Developing initiatives for collaboration between the schools and parents or members of the community
Award Criteria
The award is designed to recognize excellence, expertise, and demonstrable achievement in education. Criteria for this award correspond closely to the Foundation’s belief that educators play a vital role in society in supporting young people’s growth and preparing them to be adaptable, flexible, creative, and responsive to future societal change.
Criteria used in the selection process are:
Demonstrated excellence in education with a tangible product, project, or process that has had a successful impact on others.
Evidence of commitment to the growth of young people: respecting individual needs and talents, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging realization of individual potential.
Evidence of outstanding personal and character attributes: setting high expectations for one’s personal and students’ achievements, demonstrating leadership, and acting as a catalyst for others.
Implementation of a creative and innovative approach that has made a difference in one’s classroom or school.
Service as an exemplary model for students, peers, and/or parents and the community.
Nomination Process
A candidate for an Excellence in Education Award must have a minimum of 2 nominations by professional educators. It is possible to nominate oneself; 2 additional nominations by professional educators are required.(Note: Supporting statements from others such as colleagues, students, and
parents are encouraged.)
The following information must be included in a nomination packet:
- Nomination Form, which includes contact information about candidate and nominators. (See attachment, which is also on website.)
- A brief statement of the nominee’s current responsibilities.
- A clear and full description of the significant educational achievements for which the individual is being nominated. Include specific examples and information on the success, impact, and possible use as a model to others.
- A brief biographical sketch of the nominee.
- Statements of nomination/endorsement by professional educators (a minimum of 2, a maximum of 8) that comment on the candidate and his/her achievements, approximately 2 pages each.
- Any relevant supporting documentation. Example: student products
Nomination letters and other information should be typewritten and double-spaced. Note the candidate’s name on the top of each page. Please send or email these materials with the Nomination Form to:
Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education
c/o Region 4 Education Service Center
Attn: Vivian Mendoza
7145 West Tidwell Road
Houston, Texas 77092-2021
All nominations must be received by January 17, 2014. For additional information, visit the website: or email: