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Supporting our Members

ISTA is proud of our members and the work they do. ISTA and the ISTA Foundation strive to recognize, honor and fund members and future educators to continue high-quality, public education in Indiana. Criteria for nominations and applications are outlined for each scholarship and award.

Scholarships and awards open January 1, 2024.

Scholarships

Ann Wilkins Legacy Scholarship

Eligible: Undergraduate or Graduate student, BIPOC Aspiring Educator ISTA members

The Ann Wilkins Legacy Scholarship is designed to increase the pipeline of well-qualified Black, Indigenous or Educators of color in Indiana. The scholarship was named for Ann Wilkins, a former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher, Indianapolis Education Association President and ISTA UniServ Director. The Ann Wilkins Legacy Scholarship awards $1,000 per semester for up to two semesters for any BIPOC undergraduate or graduate student who is in a full-time practicum experience pursing licensure in education is any one of the Indiana Approved Educator Preparation Programs. Prospective students must be a current ISTA Aspiring Educator member and plan to pursue employment in any public school system in Indiana. Prospective candidates will also be expected to submit two letters of reference and complete a 500 word or fewer essay explaining why a racially diverse faculty is essential to the learning outcomes of Hoosier students. One of these letters of recommendation must be submitted from an official in the Educator Preparation Program where the applicant is enrolled.

Nomination deadline is Nov. 15 for spring semester applicants and April 15 for fall semester applicants. The Racial Affairs Committee will evaluate the applications and choose an awardee.

Questions? Contact LaQuita Maxey and Brytnie Jones.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

Career Scholarship

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to students with demonstrated academic achievement and leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years if eligibility requirements are met and a transcript is submitted.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

ISTA Foundation District & Retired Scholarship

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are children, stepchildren, grandchildren or step grandchildren of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to graduates of a public high school in December or May/June of the school year of application who had at least a C average, plan to participate in a formal accredited training program (apprenticeship, trade school, cosmetology, etc.) or attend a two- to four-year accredited college or university and are the children or grandchildren (stepchildren and step grandchildren qualify) of an ISTA member. The applicant does not need to have attended high school in the same district in which the ISTA member teaches, nor live with the ISTA member.

ISTA Foundation contributes to the scholarships that are awarded locally. Nominations for the district scholarship should be submitted by April 1. All nominations for retired scholarship should be submitted by April 1 and will be sent to the Retired Scholarship Committee for consideration. Scholarship checks are mailed or presented to the scholarship awardees by July.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell for the district scholarship and Becky Koerner for the ISTA-Retired scholarship.

APPLY FOR ISTA FOUNDATION DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPAPPLY FOR ISTA FOUNDATION RETIRED SCHOLARSHIP

Educator Scholarship

Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members

This scholarship is open to students actively pursuing a degree in education who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

Justine M. Harrell Memorial Scholarship

Eligible: Public high school seniors pursuing a degree in education (renewable for three years)

This scholarship is open to a public high school senior pursuing a degree in education. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded for a total of four years if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA enrolled in an education curriculum at an accredited college or university in Indiana. Applicants for the need-based scholarship must also meet the income criteria of at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement, submission of an essay and recommendations and financial need. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

Damon P. Moore Scholarship

Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors

This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue a teaching certificate. The scholarship was named for Damon P. Moore, an African-American educator, who served three terms as ISTA president and continues to be a positive role model for young minorities aspiring to enter the education field. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.

Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Email Camille Bell.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

Louis B. Russell Scholarship

Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors

This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue industrial arts, vocational education or technical preparation at an accredited post-secondary institution. This scholarship was named for Louis Russell, an African-American industrial arts educator, who acquired international recognition as the world’s longest-living heart transplant patient. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for one consecutive year.

Applicants must be a minority pursuing education in the vocational arts and a graduate of the class of the current year entering a fully-accredited postsecondary institution as a freshman. Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline has been extended to March 15 with the scholarship awarded in July.

Questions? Contact Camille Bell.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

ISTA Foundation National Board Certification Scholarship

Eligible: ISTA members

This scholarship is open to ISTA members who are candidates for National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The ISTA Foundation accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 1. Candidates are eligible to receive the ISTA Foundation National Board Certification Scholarship once during initial certification and once for renewal/maintenance during certification cycle. Awards are up to $500 and issued on a first come, first served basis as applications are received, provided the applicant meets all scholarship criteria. Beginning in 2019, applicants must submit proof of registration and component purchase(s) with scholarship application submission.

The application period opens annually Sept. 1 until scholarship funds have been exhausted.

APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

Learn more about National Board Certification.

Grants

ISTA Foundation Educator Learning Grant

Eligible: School districts and corporations that are served by American Fidelity and/or Security Benefit products and services

The ISTA Foundation, in partnership with American Fidelity and Security Benefit, is accepting applications for the ISTA Foundation Educator Learning Grant. In partnership with their ISTA local affiliate, the grant should fund high-quality professional development for educators identified as of interest to educators within the district or corporation.

The grant application must be jointly submitted by the school district or corporation superintendent with endorsement by the ISTA local association president. Applications must include detailed professional development programming, budget and program evaluation criteria. While not required, grant applications related to racial and social justice topics are strongly encouraged. All professional development funded through this grant must occur during duty time, unless otherwise agreed to by the local association and the school district or corporation.

The maximum award amount is $10,000. The grant application is April 15 – June 30. The grant will be awarded in August. Professional development must be completed and funding must be expended by the June following grant award.

Questions? Contact Diana Crum.

Apply Flyer

Professional Development Grant

Eligible: Local associations and/or District Councils

This grant is open to local associations and District Councils to provide professional development to their members. For the purposes of this grant, professional development is any program or process that results in developing the skills of educators, increases student learning or improves school or classroom quality.

The grant provides a disbursement of $1 for every member in the local association or District Council, whichever applies. Annual funding for this grant is limited.

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Professional Practices & Standards Committee will review and approve grant applications quarterly by the following dates: Nov. 15, Feb. 15, May 15 and Aug. 15. The grant summary form must be submitted 30 days after the last grant activity is completed, or by Aug. 31, whichever is sooner.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller.

APPLY FOR THIS GRANT Grant Summary Form

Opportunity Grant

Eligible: Local associations and District Councils

This grant is open to a local association, two or more local associations jointly or a District Council to initiate creative projects/programs, which enhance public education in our local communities. The $500 grant is awarded annually, and as funding permits, grant renewal may be considered.

Criteria for selection includes the project/program’s link to the community, the applicant’s commitment to the project/program, the promotion and enhancement of public education and the ongoing effort to support public education. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 30 with all supportive materials included. The Issues and Concerns communications subcommittee will review applications and make recommendations to the board of directors for grants to be awarded by Jan. 15.

Questions? Contact John O'Neal.

APPLY FOR THIS GRANT

Awards

N. Robert Montfort Communications

Eligible: ISTA members and local associations

This award recognizes outstanding communications efforts of members and local affiliates. One entry per local association is permitted. Nominations should include newspapers, newsletters, editorials, legislative bulletins, political action committee newsletters, communications plans or other innovative communications efforts to be considered for the award. All entries, with the exception of editorials, must include printed reference to the local’s affiliation with ISTA and NEA or include the United Education Profession logo. Application deadline is March 1.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Community Service

Eligible: ISTA members

This award recognizes outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication for the community. Nominations are open to ISTA members who recently completed or are currently completing a community service project outside the classroom. Each District Council determines its own criteria and selects a district honoree. The ISTA Issues and Concerns Committee reviews and recommends honorees to the board of directors. Application deadline is March 1.

Questions? Contact John O'Neal.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Phillip Carey for Human Relations

Eligible: ISTA members, education advocates, local associations

This award recognizes individuals — ISTA members or education advocates — and local associations who have made a significant contribution to advancing human and civil rights in education. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member or local association. Nominations must include two letters of recommendation and a written statement by the nominator outlining the candidate’s efforts in achieving one or more of the following goals:

  • Protect and advance the human and civil rights and responsibilities of educators and students.

  • Work to increase respect, understanding and acceptance toward individuals and groups in our Association, our schools and our communities.

  • Advance equal educational opportunities for all students.

  • Develop and implement programs that will inform teachers about human and civil rights and how they can be carried out.

  • Work toward equitable salaries and working conditions.

  • Eliminate discrimination in the hiring, displacement and personnel practices of school corporations.

  • Develop and implement curriculum that promotes the concept of cultural pluralism.

Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact LaQuita Maxey and Brytnie Jones.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Outstanding Treasurer

Eligible: Local association treasurers

This award recognizes well-trained, hard-working local treasurers for their service and dedication to the education profession and the Association. Nomination criteria includes membership dues, financial records and training. All local treasurers who meet the criteria will receive the award when nominated. Nomination forms are sent to local association presidents in August of each year. Nominations must be completed and returned to ISTA treasurer postmarked by Sept. 30.

Questions? Contact Diana Reed.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter

Eligible: ISTA members, local associations, District Councils or other committees

The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award is designed to recognize current outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication in advancing the status of education in Indiana. The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter is awarded to outstanding active members, local associations and District Councils or other committees established by and limited to active members of the Association. A committee appointed by the ISTA president will evaluate the nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. The honoree will receive an exclusive pin, trophy and recognition in the Association’s publications.

The Pacesetter Award was renamed in June 2019 to honor and recognize the outstanding lifetime work of Nathan G. Schnellenberger. Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

ISTA Hoosier Educator of the Year

Eligible: ISTA members

Supported by Horace Mann

Guidelines are based on the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.

This award recognizes an ISTA member who exemplifies professional practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement and leadership in professional development.

Nominations must be made by an ISTA member based on the following criteria.

  1. Professional Practice
  2. Advocacy for the Profession
  3. Attention to Diversity
  4. Community Engagement
  5. Leadership in Professional Development

Please carefully read the detailed nomination guidelines to ensure nominee meets criteria and applicant prepares and supplies all necessary information.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation generously recognizes the Hoosier Educator of the Year with a monetary award. The Hoosier honoree is sent to the NEA Foundation as Indiana’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. State affiliate nominees with technology leadership experience will be considered for a separate and distinct honor, the AOL@School NEA Foundation Award for Technology Leadership.

Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact Angela Miller.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

J.D. Miller Young Activist

Eligible: ISTA members

This award recognizes Association activism and engagement within the first five years as educators. This award was named for Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller who was a past state president of ISEA who demonstrated tremendous promise as an Association advocate and leader. He passed away before he could fully realize his dream of teaching. Nominees may be nominated by any active ISTA member or they may be self-nominated with the endorsement of one additional active ISTA member. Applications must detail the nominee’s activism in relationship with ISTA’s strategic goals. Application deadline is March 1.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Minority Educator

Eligible: ISTA members

This award recognizes outstanding, active minority classroom educators. Nominees must be active ISTA members, participate in the Association and receive recommendations from the local association president and a colleague. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member and include nominee’s educational background, work experience, Association involvement, community and civic engagement and other relevant experience. Application deadline is March 1.

Questions? Contact LaQuita Maxey and Brytnie Jones.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

ESP of the Year

Eligible: ISTA ESP members

This award recognizes extraordinary efforts by education support professionals (ESP) on behalf of kids. Nominees must be an ISTA ESP member working in a public education support position who are youth-oriented and have gone beyond the usual expectations of their job description. Nominations will be evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the ISTA president. Follow-up interviews by phone or in-person with nominees or references may be included in the process. Application deadline is April 29.

Questions? Contact Andy Borrelli.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Lifetime Achievement

Eligible: Retiring ISTA members

This award recognizes members in the year of their retirement or the year immediately following retirement for a lifetime of achievement at the local level as well as the district, state or national level. A subcommittee of the Governance Committee will evaluate nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. All members are urged to nominate deserving members. There is no limit to the number of awards given in any one year. Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

David Hanna Golden Touch

Eligible: ISTA-Retired members

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions of retired members of ISTA-Retired who have demonstrated strong leadership in the Association. Nominations may be made by any member, chapter, local or District Council and must include supportive materials such as newsletters, news clips, pictures, videos, letters of recommendation, etc. A strong emphasis will be placed on specific retired activities.

Criteria for selection includes promotion of ISTA-Retired, continued leadership in the Association through ISTA-Retired, involvement in the Association on the local, state or national level and ongoing advocacy for public education retirees and public education. Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact Roni Embry and Becky Koerner.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

Friend of Education

Eligible: Community supporters of public education

This award recognizes an individual and/or organization whose leadership and support have contributed to statewide improvement of Indiana’s public schools. Nominees should reflect philosophies and principles compatible with ISTA’s mission and vision. Any ISTA member or local association may nominate an individual or organization. Nominations will be evaluated by the ISTA Executive Committee. Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

School Bell

Eligible: News media professionals

This award recognizes exceptional work by news media professionals who support the philosophy of ISTA and public education. Eligible nominees include newspapers, broadcast and radio as well as individual reporters with the entry submission having been published/aired during the 12-month period preceding the March 1 deadline. Nominations must be made by an individual member through your local association president or District Council chairperson. One nomination each may be submitted for newspaper, broadcast and radio. Application deadline has been extended to March 15.

Questions? Contact John O'Neal.

APPLY FOR THIS AWARD