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TSTA Annual Awards - 2026 Applications are OPEN
TSTA Annual Awards - 2026 Applications are OPEN
Science Educator of the Year Awards
Science Educator of the Year Awards
TSTA is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2026 TSTA Science Educator of the Year Awards. These awards recognize outstanding science educators across all grade bands: K–4, 5–8, 9–12, and Higher Education.
Award Details:
Winners receive a $100 cash prize, plaque, complimentary conference registration, and one complimentary night’s stay at the conference hotel.
Timeline:
Nominations Due - August 1
Applications Due - September 1
Selection Committee - Sept 8-Sept 25 (after Labor Day)
Winners Notified - October 2
Recognition Ceremony: Tuesday, November 10 at TSTA Luncheon
How to Apply:
Educators are encouraged to apply on their own behalf, or share this opportunity with colleagues. A formal nomination is not required, but nominations can be made by sending a name and email address to awards@tnsta.org.
Applicants must submit the completed application materials via email to awards@tnsta.org with “Award Application” in the subject line.
Tim Strickland Science Education Champion Award
Tim Strickland Science Education Champion Award
The Tim Strickland Science Education Champion Award honors the life and legacy of Tim Strickland, a trusted leader in science education and an unwavering advocate for Tennessee’s science teachers.
This award recognizes recent, high-impact contributions within the past 1–2 years that directly strengthen and support Tennessee’s K–12 science educators. This award is typically intended for individuals not currently serving as K–12 classroom teachers, such as district leaders, professional learning providers, higher education partners, informal science leaders, or others whose work has had a meaningful impact on science teaching and learning across Tennessee.
Award Details:
Winner receives a $100 cash prize, plaque, complimentary conference registration, and complimentary one-night stay at the conference hotel.
How to Apply:
Beginning in 2027, members of the science education community are encouraged to apply on their own behalf, share this opportunity with deserving colleagues, or complete an application on behalf of someone whose recent contributions deserve recognition.
Board-Conferred Awards
Board-Conferred Awards
In addition to the application-based awards, TSTA may also confer special recognition at the discretion of the TSTA Board. Board-conferred awards are not necessarily presented every year and do not require a formal application process. They are awarded when the Board determines that an individual’s contributions merit special recognition.
Distinguished Educator Award
The TSTA Distinguished Educator Award is the organization’s highest honor. This award recognizes sustained, meaningful contributions to science education in Tennessee through long-term impact, leadership, mentorship, and service.
This lifetime achievement recognition honors an individual whose career-long service has significantly advanced science education in Tennessee over many years.
How to Apply: While there is not a formal application process for the Distinguished Educator Award, TSTA members are welcome to bring forward the name of an individual they believe should be considered for this highest honor. Suggestions may be shared with a TSTA Board representative, the TSTA Awards Committee Chair, or a member of the TSTA Executive Committee for consideration by the Board.
2025 Award Winners
The Tennessee Science Teachers Association (TSTA) is excited to share Teacher Spotlights. It is a way to provide a glimpse into all the hard work that teachers do in making science a priority in their classrooms and a way to celebrate their commitment to high quality education. Thank you for being an amazing science educator!
Please take a few minutes to fill out the linked form (above) so we have all of the information needed for a feature post if you are selected. We can't wait to hear from you!
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