Excellence in Education Nominations

Nominations close January 31

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Nominate a Teacher

The Tempe Diablos are excited to invite nominations for the prestigious Excellence in Education Awards, celebrating outstanding teachers in the Tempe Elementary, Kyrene, and Tempe Union High School Districts. Recognize educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment, innovation, and effectiveness. Learn more about the categories, criteria, and submit your nominations below. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the teachers who are shaping our future!

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Teacher of the Year Award

An exemplary teacher dedicated to the mission of educational excellence who exhibits the
following qualities:

  • Is an overall outstanding educator whose students demonstrate high achievement.
  • Strong integrity.
  • Leadership qualities.
  • Positive relationships with students, staff, and community, which reflect honesty, trust, and respect.

Eligibility:

Teachers

Nominator Eligibility:

District Administration, Principals & Assistant Principals

Excellence in Education Awards

Leadership Award

Any district employee who demonstrates uncompromising leadership traits, values and skills
Through:

  • Leading in a confident manner.
  • Inspiring those they work with every day to reach their highest potential.
  • Engaging all those they work with every day.

Eligibility: Any District Employee
Nominator Eligibility: Any District Employee

Lifetime Achievement Award

An individual with a minimum of 15 years of service in the district who:

  • Has created/led programs that are innovative.
  • Has created/led programs that are inspirational to students.
  • Has enhanced student achievement throughout their career.
  • Has shown outstanding leadership in mentoring other educators.
  • Has positively involved their school community in the successful life of the school/district.
  • Has actively participated in professional organizations to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
  • Is a distinguished example to others of excellence in the field of education.

Eligibility: Certified Employees and Administrators

Nominator Eligibility: All District Employees

High Impact Award

Any district employee who makes a difference in the daily lives of students through:

  • Contributing to student success.
  • Helping with extra activities, for example, tutoring or coaching.
  • Demonstrating concern for students through their interaction with them.
  • Engaging students, parents, and community leaders to improve student success.
  • Having a truly positive influence on those around them.

Eligibility: Any District Employee

Nominator Eligibility: Any District Employee, Student, or Parent

Class Act Award

A Classified employee who:

  • Has a positive impact on student achievement or behavior.
  • Has consistently positive interactions with staff and students, which supports the overall mission of the school/district.

Eligibility: Classified Employees
Nominator Eligibility: District Employees and Parents

Inspiration Award

Any District employee or volunteer who impacts student learning through:

  • Inspiring and motivating through the giving of time, tale,nt and skills.
  • Being an individual whose positive actions and outlook lead others to be honored to work with them each day.

Eligibility: Any District Employee or Volunteer

Nominator Eligibility: Any District Employee, Student, or Parent

Rising Star Award

A new teacher with three years or less of service in the district who:

  • Demonstrates high student achievement.
  • Is innovative.
  • Is inspirational.

Eligibility: A Teacher with three or fewer years in the District

Nominator Eligibility: Principals, Assistant Principals, District Staff, or Department Chairs

Make a Nomination

Nominations for Excellence in Education 2026 have closed.

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