Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/905854
18 ADVOCATE | WINTER 2017 Around AEA PURPOSE: The AEA awards an educator who is recognized by their peers as an educator who inspires them and makes them proud to be a teacher. Named for Christa McAuliffe, the fi rst American civilian—and teacher—in space, this award honors an Arizona educator. The state winner becomes AEA's entrant in the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence competition. ELIGIBILITY: The nominee, nominated by a peer, must be an AEA member who exemplifi es excellence in teaching by advancing student learning, addressing issues of cultural diversity, advocating for the profession, providing leadership among colleagues, being a lifelong learner, and using creative or innovative ideas. AWARD: A permanent plaque bearing the names of each year's recipient is displayed at AEA headquarters in Phoenix. The honoree receives a $1,000 cash award. Presentation of the award and plaque is made at the AEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence ceremony. The NEA Foundation offers a $25,000 honorarium for the national honoree. PURPOSE: The AEA recognizes extraordinary efforts by education support professionals on behalf of public education. ELIGIBILITY: All current Education Support Professional (ESP) members of an AEA local affi liate who have been AEA members for at least three years as of January 15 of the award year are eligible. Nominees must be an "active" member at the time of selection. Individuals must be nominated by their local association affi liate, either a wall-to-wall or ESP affi liate. AWARD: A permanent plaque bearing the names of each year's recipient is displayed at AEA headquarters in Phoenix. The honoree receives a $1,000 cash award. Presentation of the award and plaque is made at the AEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence ceremony. PURPOSE: The AEA recognizes leadership in promoting ethnic minority participation in the Association, programs or activities that lead to improved human relations, efforts that lead to improvement in school district support of human and civil rights, or successful implementation of human and civil rights in Arizona education. ELIGIBILITY: Any AEA member or a current or past Arizona resident who worked in the state. AWARD: The honoree is featured in the AEA Salute to Excellence award booklet and on the AEA website. The honoree receives a $1,000 cash award. Presentation of the award and plaque is made at the AEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence ceremony. Christa McAuliffe "I Touch the Future, I Teach" Award ESPecially for Kids Award Human and Civil Rights Award Annual Awards