The Jayne Meyer NASDTEC Distinguished Leadership Award seeks to honor an individual or an organization whose work has made a significant difference in PreK-12 public education. Dr. Meyer began working for the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) in 1973, becoming the teacher education coordinator in 1985 and later served as the ALSDE Director of the Office of Teaching and Leading until her retirement in 2022.  Dr. Meyer, a longtime member and advocate of NASDTEC, served as the Association's president in 1993-94.  

As an educator and leader, Dr. Meyer spent more than 50 years shaping policies and professional practices for teacher educators, instructional support personnel, and educator preparation programs. Her experience in public education spans decades and traverses all levels of teaching, learning, and leading. A native of Homewood, Illinois, she made Alabama her home after completing her doctoral degree at The University of Alabama in 1970. She taught high school, first in Illinois, and then in Alabama, before gaining employment in the Tuscaloosa County (AL) Schools central office from 1966-1973. The move from classroom to the central office began her administrative professional experiences, first in physical education and then in federal programs.

From 1973 through 1975, Dr. Meyer worked for the Alabama Department of Education for the First-Year Teacher Pilot Program, a program designed to provide state-wide support to new teachers. After she moved from federal programs to teacher education in 1980, as "Teacher Education Adviser," her title changed many times over the years as her position expanded and evolved. Before retirement in 2022, Dr. Meyer’s final role was Director for the Office of Teaching and Leading at the Alabama Department of Education. This comprehensive department encompassed educator assessment, certification, preparation, and recruitment/placement -- all the areas which align with NASDTEC's mission to provide leadership and support for the preparation, certification, ethical and professional practice, and professional development of educators.

During her distinguished career, Dr. Meyer managed her many responsibilities with grace and humility and was well known and respected throughout the country. Besides the positions detailed previously, she served in leadership roles in the Alabama Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) and NASDTEC. She also represented Alabama on numerous review teams, committees, and boards for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Certification/Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (NCATE/CAEP).

Because of her tireless dedication, leadership, wisdom, and never-ending passion for education, the NASDTEC Executive Board named its leadership award in 2021 for Dr. Meyer after having previously awarded it to her as its first recipient in 2016.