Application Instructions
2016 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award
Congratulations on your nomination for the Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award!
This award recognizes exemplary contributions of humanities teachers in Texas elementary, middle, and high schools.
Twelve teachers will receive a $5,000 cash award and an additional $500 for their schools to purchase humanities-based
instructional materials.
ELIGIBILITY
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Nominees must be full-time teachers in Texas public or private schools.
Applicants must plan to teach full-time during the 2016-17 school year.
Teachers of English and language arts, foreign languages, history, and social studies are eligible for the
Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Awards. Teachers of art, drama, and music are also eligible if they
emphasize the history, criticism, and theory of the arts.
Nominees should be skillful and dedicated teachers who possess an expansive and profound knowledge of the
humanities subject(s) they teach. Nominees should also have a record of active involvement in community
activities and professional organizations, particularly those that promote the humanities.
Previous Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching Award winners are ineligible to apply.
CRITERIA
In evaluating your application, special consideration will be given to:
 Innovation and creativity in teaching methods and classroom activities
 Proven success in engaging students in the humanities
 Involvement in professional and community activities
 Dedication and commitment to the education profession
 Demonstrated influence on other teachers
APPLICATION
To be considered for this award, please submit the following materials in the order listed below. Please type all
materials.
1. APPLICANT PROFILE
Please complete the applicant profile using the form provided.
2. ESSAYS (limited to two pages total)
Please answer the following questions on separate paper, using no more than two pages total to
answer both essays. Use no smaller than 10 pt. type and no less than 1.5” line spacing.
A. How do you teach your subject? Effective statements describe your teaching approach and methods,
including specific classroom activities and techniques.
B. Using specific examples, describe your most significant accomplishment as a teacher of the humanities.
3. LETTER(S) OF RECOMMENDATION
Please provide at least one and no more than three letters of recommendation. Your nominator is eligible
to write a letter. Advise each recommender that his or her letter will form a crucial component of your
award application. Effective letters provide specific details regarding your accomplishments as a teacher
of the humanities. Please submit letters of recommendation together with your application packet.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Received:
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HTx #:
Please do not submit applications electronically.
Please secure your application materials with a paper clip. Do not staple or submit materials in binders,
notebooks, or plastic sleeves.
Retain a copy of your application for your records.
Incomplete and/or handwritten applications will not be considered. All materials must be typed.
Please do not submit additional or supplemental materials. They will not be considered in the selection process.
Applicants will be notified by email once their applications have been received.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday, February 12, 2016. Please send applications to:
Outstanding Teaching Awards
Humanities Texas
1410 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
Contact Liz James with any questions: 512.440.1991 or ota@humanitiestexas.org. Award winners will be notified of
their selection in May 2016.
Humanities Texas sponsors the Outstanding Teaching Awards program with continuing financial support provided by
the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Received:
HTx #:
Applicant Profile
2016 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award
TEACHER INFORMATION
Your name:
Mr.
Ms.
Home address, city, state, and zip:
Preferred Phone:
Type (mobile, home, work, etc.):
Email:
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Full name of school:
School address, city, state, and zip:
School phone:
School district:
School district’s press contact:
ESC region:
Principal’s name:
Principal’s e-mail:
Total enrollment in your classes per school year:
Total school
enrollment:
Does your campus receive Title I Funding?
Would you like to receive Humanities Texas’s monthly e-newsletter?
Yes
No
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
College/University Attended:
Degree(s) earned:
Dates:
Certifications held:
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Total number of years teaching:
Current subject(s) taught:
Grade level(s):
Total number of years at current school:
Mrs.
Dr.
Received:
HTx #:
TEACHING EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
School:
Subject(s) taught/grade level:
Dates of employment:
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Rather than provide a comprehensive list, please select up to five activities you deem most significant for this award application.
Please list most recent activities first.
Activity/organization:
Description:
Dates of involvement:
HONORS AND AWARDS
Rather than provide a comprehensive list, please select up to five honors or awards you deem most significant for this award
application. Please list most recent awards first.
Honor/Award:
Year received:
I hereby give permission for any or all of the information from this form and packet to be shared with persons interested in promoting
the Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching Awards. I understand that this information could be used in press releases, publicity in
all media, and printed materials.
Signature of nominee: ______________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________