Blue Ribbon Teacher Award

Funder: Nashville Public Education Foundation, in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools and Nashville's Agenda Steering Committee

Geographic Scope: Nashville/Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), Tennessee

Purpose: Community-driven award program to honor and recognize exceptional teachers in MNPS who demonstrate outstanding performance in teaching.

Award Details:

• Prize: $1,000 cash award per recipient
• Recognition: Blue Ribbon Teacher status and formal recognition event
• Number of Awards: Up to 50 teachers honored annually

Eligibility:

• Full-time teachers on the teacher salary scale
• All traditional, magnet, and charter school teachers in MNPS are eligible
• Grade levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School

Selection Criteria: Teachers are evaluated in one or more of three categories:

• Impressive Data: Teachers who have achieved high student performance and growth
• Relationships with Students: Teachers who have changed students' lives through intense dedication
• Leadership: Teachers who support colleagues, adopt new initiatives, and strive to be leaders in their building or district

Selection Process:

• Community nominations accepted from students, parents, colleagues, and community members
• Blind screening process to ensure objectivity
• Selection committee comprised of business and civic leaders and community stakeholders
• Nominees evaluated based on nomination content highlighting dedication, student impact, and professional excellence

Funding Partners: HCA Foundation, Ingram Industries, Dan and Margaret Maddox Charitable Fund, Memorial Foundation, The James Stephen Turner Family Foundation

Recognition Event: Honored teachers receive formal recognition at reception (held at Vanderbilt Chancellor's residence in some years)

Contact Information:

• Nashville Public Education Foundation
• 615 Main Street Suite 124
• Nashville, TN 37206
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 615-727-1515

Application Process

Nomination Method: Community nominations only (self-nominations not accepted)

Who Can Nominate:

• Students
• Parents
• Teacher colleagues
• Community members

Nomination Requirements:

• Submit nomination online
• Include narrative describing teacher's exceptional qualities and impact
• Specify which category (or categories) the nomination applies to: Impressive Data, Relationships with Students, or Leadership
• Provide heart-warming stories and specific examples of teacher dedication and student impact

Selection Process:

1. Nominations submitted through online portal
2. Blind screening process (teacher identities protected during initial review)
3. Panel of business and civic leaders reviews nominations
4. Committee selects up to 50 recipients
5. Winners notified and honored at formal reception

Typical Timeline: (Based on historical dates)

• Nomination period: January-February each year
• Winners announced: April-May
• Honor reception: May

Note: No specific application form details provided in source material. Nomination process described as online submission through foundation portal.