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Awards and Programs

We honor all rural teachers and administrators for their significant contributions to education throughout our nation and congratulate them for their awards and recognitions. We invite you to nominate individuals or submit an application for consideration of these coveted awards.

NREA Foundation National Rural Teacher of the Year Award

We are very proud to present the annual NREA Rural Teacher of the Year Award to a deserving rural teacher. The Application is open each year from early spring until June 30.

Award

  • $2000 honorarium to the winner
  • $1000 to the winner’s school district for the purchase of instructional materials and school supplies

Winners

NREA Foundation Hall of Fame Award

The Foundation Board of Trustees gives a yearly Hall of Fame award to a current member of the NREA who has served for a minimum of five years and has given significant contributions in service to the NREA as well as to his/her local rural school district, state, or the nation in the field of rural education.

Winners

  • Jerry White: Inducted in 2022
  • Scott Turney: Inducted in 2021
  • Phil Gerik: Inducted in 2021
  • Jules Waber: Inducted in 2019
  • Barb Havlicek: Inducted in 2018
  • Ray Patrick: Inducted in 2018
  • Mary Lou Gammon: Inducted in 2015
  • Jack Sanders: Inducted in 2015 – Rural Researcher
  • Claudette Morton: Inducted in 2015 – Montana Rural Education Leader
  • Don Rogers: Inducted in 2015 – Texas Rural Education Association Executive Director
  • Al Eads: Inducted in 2012 – Past President 2003
  • Patricia Laubach: Inducted in 2010 – North Dakota Past President 1990
  • George Brown: Inducted in 2010 – Texas Past President 2001
  • Travis Cliett: Inducted in 2010 – Mississippi Executive Committee Member
  • John Sullivan: Inducted in 2009 – Kansas Past President 1999 and Auctioneer
  • Edward W. Chance: Inducted in 2009 – Oklahoma and Nevada Research Leader
  • V. Pauline Hodges: Inducted in 2008 – Oklahoma Past President 1998
  • E. Robert Stephens: Inducted in 2008 – Iowa Past President 1972
  • Joe Newlin: Inducted in 2007 – Colorado Executive Secretary 1980–1999
  • Ray Drage: Inducted in 2007 – Ohio Past President 1979

Application Process

NREA Essay Contest

This annual contest allows participants in three divisions: grades 3–5, middle school, and high school. Grades 3–5 may participate in a written essay contest using the provided prompt and rubric. Grades 6–12 may participate in a video essay contest using the provided prompt and rubric.

Award

  • The winner in the elementary division receives $250. The runner-up receives $100.
  • The winners in the middle and high school divisions receive $400. The runner-up receives a $200 prize.

Winners

Eligibility
Grades 3–5 may participate in a written essay using the provided prompt and rubric. Middle school and high school students in grades 6–12 may participate in a video contest using the provided prompt and rubric. Any student who attends a rural school may participate. Please see the information below for contest guidelines and rubrics.

NREA Best Research Award

Our panel of judges selects the winner for Best Research Award submitted for the Research Symposium. We recognize the author in conjunction with the Annual NREA Research Symposium.

Award Winners

  • 2021 – Dr. Catharine Biddle, Dr. Maria Frankland, and Dr. Ryan Crane – University of Maine
  • 2019 – Dr. Catherine Biddle, Dr. Erin McHenry, and Dr. Daniella Hall Sutherland
  • 2016 – Dr. Erin McHenry and Dr. Daniella Hall
  • 2015 – Matthew Burke, Elisabeth Davis, and Jennifer Stephens
  • 2014 – Gary Storie and Peter Denner
  • 2013 – Jackie Florendo and Jody Isernhagen
  • 2012 – Michelle Tines
  • 2011 – Aimee Howley, Karen Eppley, and Marged Howley
  • 2010 – Caitlin Howley, Kimberly Hambrick
  • 2009 – John Sipple, Lisa McCabe, and Hope Castro
  • 2008 – Pat Hardre and David Sullivan
  • 2007 – Mary Beth Corbin and Vivian Martin Covington
  • 2006 – Pat Hardre

 

Application Process

  • We update submission guidelines and send them out in February of each year prior to the NREA Research Team review and guidelines.
E. Stanley A. Brzezinski Memorial Rural Education Research Award

This award, in honor of Stanley A. Brzezinski, is funded by the Brzezinski family. It honors educational research that addresses significant rural issues and makes notable contributions to the knowledge base of rural education. We recognize the winner at the NREA national convention.

Award

  • $500

 

Award Winners

  • 2021 – Dr. Amy Azano-Price
  • 2019 – Hobart Harmon
  • 2017 – Jerry Johnson
  • 2016 – Kai Arthur Schafft
  • 2015 – No award
  • 2014 – No award
  • 2013 – No award
  • 2012 – Marty Strange
  • 2011 – Pat Hardre
  • 2010 – Claudette Morton
  • 2009 – Hobart Harmon
  • 2008 – Patricia Hammer
  • 2007 – Aimee Howley and Craig Howley

 

Application Process

Edward W. Chance Memorial Rural Education Dissertation Award

The Chance family, through the NREA Foundation, funds this award in recognition of doctoral research that makes a significant contribution to rural education and addresses issues of current concern. The dissertation judged most meritorious receives the award, and we recognize the author at the NREA National Convention.

Award

  • $500

 

Award Winners

  • 2021 – Dr. Rachel Chamberlain
  • 2020 – Dr. Lori Langlois
  • 2019 – Dr. J. Kessa Roberts
  • 2018 – Dr. Julie Downing
  • 2017 – Dr. Jacqueline Yahn
  • 2016 – Dr. Shelby L. Davidson
  • 2015 – John Ulferts
  • 2014 – Lynn Lisy-Macan
  • 2013 – Joshua Phiester
  • 2012 – Erin McHenry-Sorber
  • 2011 – Sara Beasley
  • 2010 – Howell Wright and Sara Armstrong
  • 2009 – Karen Eppley
  • 2008 – Michael Barbour
  • 2007 – John Huysiman
  • 2006 – Marilyn Dishman-Horst

 

Application Process

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