The application should be accurate and professional to reflect the person it is representing. Carefully read the entire "Instructions for Nominators" package from NACTA before using this "helpful hints" information.
"Instructions for Nominators" provides detailed information about organization and contents required. This set of helpful hints was developed primarily to assist with the mechanics of assembling the application.
It is recommended that the application be placed in a simple cover or binder
(soft cover, please) with a label which indicates the name of the nominee, institution, and
award(s) sought.
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*This material was prepared to assist NACTA award nominators with the preparation of awards applications. Development of the "Helpful Hints" was a project of the Kansas Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.
A cover sheet should be placed
as the first page.
The selection committee prefers to see the material presented in the same order as outlined in the "Instructions." This allows them to use the score sheet more effectively and prevents them from missing important items which may be out of place. To make the application more professional and well organized, it is suggested that dividers be used with headings identifying the key areas. Headings in the order presented in the "Instructions." Be sure to include the "Checklist" with your file and place it at the beginning of the file. Use it along with the "Instructions" as a guide to make sure your file is complete.
The following dividers and numbering system is a suggestion (again, follow the Instructions and Checklist) before submitting files.
The first divider can be labeled "1 - NACTA Checklist."
The second divider can be labeled "2 - Nominator's Letter."
The nominator's letter should be on official letterhead and addressed to the Chair of the Teacher Recognition Committee. The nominator should provide statements about teaching and advising abilities, recognition received, commitment, professionalism, student organization advising, departmental activities and professional organization leadership. Don't be modest.
The third divider can be labeled "3 - NACTA Membership and Teaching Appointment."
This section is completed by the nominee. It should be a couple of sentences indicating that the nominee has a current membership or lifetime membership. A second sentence for example might indicate that the nominee is on a 75% teaching appointment and has been so for 8 out of the past 10 years (indicating years). Make sure that the "Administrative" form is later filled out and that they indicate the nominee has met the NACTA requirement.
The fourth divider can be labeled "4 - Teaching Philosophy."
This section is completed by the nominee. It should emphasize philosophy, vision and goals as they relate to teaching students.
Other dividers such as "6 - Promotion of Teaching" and "11 - Involvement or Contributions to NACTA." Required for Regional Outstanding Teacher and NACTA Distinguished Teacher Awards. Not required for Teacher Fellow Award.
This section is completed by the nominee. It should emphasize activities done at the university, state, regional and national levels that promote importance of teaching. Activities with NACTA should be included.
The fifth-a divider can be labeled "5a - Course Evaluations."
A summary of teacher evaluations completed by students in each class showing recent year's (last three years) scores for each item evaluated in table form is recommended. This should be done for each class the nominee teaches. In addition, a copy of the evaluation form used by the students should by included in this section. This is completed by the nominee.
The fifth-b divider can be labeled "5b - Teacher Evaluation Form."
The NACTA Teacher Evaluation Form - "Current Student" should be used in this section. The nominator will need to ask the nominee for the names of 20 current students (may or may not be in nominee classes currently but should have been taught by the nominee). By letter, the students can be informed of the nomination and the need for the evaluation. The nominator collects the forms and uses at least five (minimum - suggested 8-10), but no more than 10 in this section.
The sixth divider can be labeled "6 - Alumni Evaluations."
The nominator will need to ask the nominee for the names of 20 alumni who have graduated within the last five years and who have had the nominee as a teacher. By letter, the graduates can be informed of the nomination and the need for the evaluation. Use five (minimum - suggested 8-10), but no more than 10 in this section. If some alumni write a letter of support, also include it in this section.
The seventh divider can be labeled "7 - Administrative Officer Evaluations."
The nominator should acquire letters and completed administrative officer evaluation forms from the institution's administrative officers. Although just one is required, additional supportive letters are desirable. Make sure that the administrative officer checks off that the nominee has had at least a 25% teaching appointment for 5 of the past 7 years.
The eighth divider can be labeled "8 - Peer Evaluations."
Again, the nominator should take the lead in this section. Try to obtain several letters of support and completed NACTA Teacher Peer Evaluation forms from peers. Solicit a few letters and evaluations from peers outside of your institution. A minimum of one, but not more than three are required for this section.
The ninth divider can be labeled "9 - Nominee Self-Evaluation."
To be most complete, it is probably best that the nominator and the nominee collaborate on this section. The following items should be addressed: To make it most convenient for the selection committee, it is suggested that you divide section nine into eight parts with at least a paragraph describing each. The use of headings within the copy is recommended as follows:
The nominee is responsible for providing an updated, comprehensive resume/vita. It is very important that a "strong signal" be sent about the merits of the individual nominated. Therefore, you will want to be sure that complete information is placed in each section even though there may be some duplication.
Special criteria are described for the NACTA - John Deere Award and Graduate Student Teaching Award. The same care, clear organization and accuracy should be taken when providing justification for being selected for those awards. Best wishes for a successful application process.