Rainbow Prism Award

Research consistently demonstrates that for queer and trans youth, having even one supportive adult in their lives significantly improves their mental health outcomes. In many cases, this adult is a teacher.

The motivation for the rainbow award for 2SLGBTQ+ equity in education is to recognize K-12 educators in Newfoundland and Labrador who are making  2SLGBTQ+ equity a priority in their workplace. They are creating space for 2SLGBTQ+ adults and children in their classroom, in the curriculum, and in our school communities.

Frequency and Number of Awards

This award will be bestowed only when the GSDSIC decides a nomination warrants presentation of the award. This award may not be given each year. This award may be given posthumously. Only one recipient will be selected each year.

Eligibility

1. Nominees must be an NLTA member and have worked in education in the last 2 years The only exception to this is for posthumous nominations. For a posthumous nomination, please provide the approximate years that the nominee worked in education.

2. Nominees must be making meaningful contributions towards 2SLGBTQ+ equity and inclusion in education. This can include a combination of paid work (for example, as part of their teaching assignment, curriculum work, equity work with the NLTA Activities/work/processes that promote and support the advancement of the community in the profession, GSA facilitator, etc.) and volunteer work within education.

3. The GSDSIC board recognizes the challenges facing educators who openly identify as 2SLGBTQ+ in the workplace. In keeping with this, nominees do not need to be a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community as the GSDSIC recognizes the importance of allies who are committed to meaningful 2SLGBTQ+ equity work. However, the GSDSIC recognizes that for educators who are themselves part of the community, this can present challenges but also strengths. All things being equal, we would consider a nominee's identity as 2SLGBTQ+ as a positive attribute in the application process. 

4. Current Executive members of the GSDSIC are not eligible to be nominated or to be awarded the Rainbow award while they hold an executive position. Past members are eligible. 

5. All forms are to be completed and submitted to the GSDSIC no later than the specified date. Please ensure the form is complete so that the GSDSICcan properly evaluate the nomination.

6. Nature of the award: the award winner will receive a token of recognition and a cash grant of $500 for the winner to use for resources or PL in the area of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.

7. The successful candidate will be contacted  before the winner is announced publicly. The GSDSIC retains the right to retain applications for a further one year, to be reconsidered the following year. Winners will be chosen by a two-thirds majority of the current executive