The Office of Catholic Schools is pleased to announce annual Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2022-23 academic year. This award is intended to recognize and celebrate the positive impact that Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Saginaw make in the lives of their students, schools and communities. The award seeks to recognize teachers who exemplify what it means to be a Catholic educator. Recipients will receive a $2,500 gift in recognition of their contributions to their school. The criterion for this award is flexible. If you are moved to nominate a teacher, we encourage you to do so.
Members of the community are encouraged to nominate the Catholic school teachers in their school that exemplify the traits of an excellent Catholic educator. The selection committee will choose one K-8 teacher (self-contained classroom or specials teacher) and one subject area specialist from grades 7-12 as recipients. The committee shall consist of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and four other individuals appointed by the superintendent.
Eligibility:
- Full time teacher
- At least 66% of job responsibility must consist of contact time/classroom time with students
General Nomination Criteria:
Faith-Centered
Nominees represent and demonstrate Catholic values both professionally and personally. The role of our Catholic Faith is evident in their teaching / presence in the school community.
Classroom Instruction, Student Engagement and Professional Performance
Nominees inspire and enable all students to learn. They hold high expectations for all students. They create a classroom environment that promotes respect and collaboration among all members of the learning community. They do not rely solely on textbooks or traditional methods of teaching. They find creative ways to make the material accessible and relevant to their students. They stay up to date with best practices and utilize various resources to help enhance student growth and engagement. Nominees have positive relationships with colleagues. They regularly collaborate with other teachers and school staff. Candidates take on positions of leadership within a school, such as leading professional development sessions, heading committees or serving as a department chair.
Positive Impact in the School Community
Nominees have worked to make the community a better place for their students. They teach their students to have a positive impact on the community. Nominees may engage in various school activities outside of the classroom (coaching, advising, etc.) that promote important school goals and provide students with a context in which to demonstrate spiritual, academic, character and/or athletic growth. They are involved in school and/or parish events and regularly interact with stakeholders in the community.
Nomination Process:
Nominations may be submitted by anyone in the school community by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, by completing this fillable form.
Selection Process:
- A selection committee of five (5) people shall select one (1) self-contained K through 8 grade teacher and one subject area specialist from grades 7 to 12. The committee shall consist of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and four (4) other individuals appointed by the superintendent.
- A common rubric will be used to evaluate each application. Principals may be consulted.
- Applications may be grouped in pools and evaluated by a subset of the committee as part of the initial review process to determine the finalists.
- The finalists will be reviewed by the entire committee. The committee will select a single K-8 and a single 7-12 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Recognition Process:
- The recipients will be acknowledged in person.
- All teachers that are nominated will be informed of that recognition.
Questions? Please contact the Office of Catholic Schools.