Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award

The Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award honors individuals, or organizations whose impactful contributions have made a significant difference in PreK-12 public education, whether directly or indirectly. In 2021, NASDTEC proudly renamed the award in honor of Dr. Jayne Meyer, a distinguished figure whose remarkable career exemplifies the core values of NASDTEC. Dr. Meyer's legacy, rooted in a lifetime of dedicated service, began in 1973 when she joined the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Over the years, her passion for education led her to pivotal roles, including teacher education coordinator in 1985 and subsequently serving as the ALSDE Director of the Office of Teaching and Leading until March 2022.

Dr. Meyer's profound impact on education and her advocacy for excellence resonate deeply within NASDTEC's vision and mission. As a longstanding member and advocate of NASDTEC, she furthered the Association's goals, leaving an indelible mark on the teaching profession. This award, therefore, recognizes individuals or entities whose body of work or specific projects align with the high standards, ethical conduct, and professional growth championed by NASDTEC. Whether through innovative initiatives, sustained advocacy, or transformative educational projects, nominees for the Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award embody the spirit of excellence that defines NASDTEC's vision and mission. 

Dr. Jayne Meyer: A Distinguished Leader

The criteria below provide a framework to identify and celebrate the outstanding achievements that mirror Dr. Meyer's dedication to advancing student success and wellness through education. A nominee is not required to meet all criteria listed, but nominators should be focused on this list and demonstrate how the person meets one or more criteria and how the nominee's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of education. The suggested evidence with each criterion is intended to provoke thought and should not be considered exhaustive. 

To maintain objectivity and uphold the integrity of the selection process, active NASDTEC Executive Board members are ineligible for the Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award.

Please note that nominations may only be submitted by a person who is currently an active member of NASDTEC (either jurisdiction or associate memberships); however, the nominee does not need to be a member of NASDTEC.

1. Commitment to High Standards: The nominee demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding high standards in educator preparation, credentialing, and learning. This could be evidenced through innovative approaches to curriculum development or the implementation of rigorous evaluation methods.
2. Ethical Conduct: The nominee exhibits exemplary ethical conduct in all professional interactions. This includes demonstrating honesty, integrity, and fairness in educator preparation, credentialing, and ongoing professional development.
3. Advocacy for the Teaching Profession: The nominee has a track record of advocating for the teaching profession, locally, regionally and/or nationally. This could involve participation in policy development, public speaking engagements, or active involvement in educational advocacy organizations.
4. Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity: The nominee actively promotes diversity and inclusivity in educator preparation and the teaching profession. This could involve developing programs or initiatives that support underrepresented communities, fostering diverse perspectives, and ensuring equal opportunities for all educators and students.
5. Innovation in Education: The nominee demonstrates innovative approaches to education that have a positive impact on PreK-12 public education. This could include implementing creative teaching methods, utilizing technology to enhance learning experiences, or developing unique solutions to educational challenges.
6. Student Success and Wellness: The nominee shows a deep commitment to advancing student success and wellness. This includes fostering environments that support not only academic achievement but also the overall well-being of students, addressing their social, emotional, and mental health needs.
7. Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee exhibits strong leadership qualities and a willingness to mentor others in the field of education. This could involve mentoring aspiring educators, providing guidance to colleagues, or serving in leadership roles within educational institutions or organizations.
8. Collaboration and Partnerships: The nominee demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with educational partners, stakeholders, and communities to enhance educator preparation and student outcomes. This could involve establishing partnerships with schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies to create mutually beneficial initiatives.
9. Research and Continuous Improvement: The nominee engages in research activities and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in educator preparation and student learning. This could involve conducting research studies, analyzing data to inform instructional practices, and actively seeking feedback to enhance program effectiveness.

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Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award  Recipients (the award my not be given every year)