Member and Community Awards

Different awards require different sets of documentation. Review the nomination forms for the awards you’re interested in to make sure you have everything you need for your submission. Make that submission a group effort! Enlist the help of colleagues and volunteers for getting the nomination ready so your nominee can get the recognition they deserve.

Take a look at the awards and guidelines below, and share them with your colleagues so we can identify as many worthy recipients as possible! 

View the Award Guidelines here. 

Advocate of the Year

Honors one current, active member of NEA-NM who has shown exemplary program delivery in an NEA-NM program area (i.e. education issues, communications, political action, employee rights, etc). The honoree is chosen by the Board of Directors from the pool of regional award recipients. NEA-NM reimburses the honoree’s state membership dues for the upcoming year. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council. 

Nomination Form: Advocate of the Year

ESP of the Year

Honors one member who is a current active ESP member of NEA-NM and has shown exemplary service to education, the Association, children, and the community. The honoree is chosen from the pool of regional award recipients. The NEA-NM awardee is further nominated for the NEA ESP of the Year the following school year. NEA-NM will reimburse the honoree’s state membership dues for the upcoming year. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Education Support Professional of the Year

Human & Civil Rights

• Recognizes an active member who advocates for equal opportunities for all students.
• State or Region nominees may be submitted to NEA for recognition through the NEA Human and Civil Rights program in the appropriate category.
• A donation of $250.00 will be made by NEA-New Mexico in the name of the honoree to a local, state or national organization/program of the honoree’s choice. The recipient shall be a promoter of Human and Civil Rights and a supporter of NEA’s core values.
• This Award shall be presented to one member who is a current active member of NEA-NM at the time of nomination.
• The Board of Directors will choose from the region award recipients.
• Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the next following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Human and Civil Rights

NM Teaching Excellence Award/The NEA Foundation Award

Honors a current, active member of NEA-NM who has shown exemplary service to education, the Association, children, and the community. Nominees must be active members for a minimum of three years. An honoree from each region will be selected and receive a $250 cash award. The state awardee is chosen by the Board of Directors from the pool of regional award recipients, and will receive a check for $1,000 and be nominated for The NEA Foundation Award.

Submission deadline: No later than the Monday before Thanksgiving. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: New Mexico Teaching Excellence

Friend of Education

Honors an individual or group outside of the Association or the field of education for exemplary service to education, the Association, children, and the community. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Friend of Education

Business Friend of Education

Honors a business entity or organization outside of the Association of the field of education for exemplary action or commitment to public education in New Mexico. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Business Friend of Education

Parental Involvement

Honors one parent(s) or person(s) serving as a parent for involvement in the education process in recognition of the role parents play in the education of their children. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Parental Involvement

Administrator Award

Honors a member administrator who has shown exemplary service to education, the association, children and the community. The honoree is chosen by the Board of Directors from the pool of regional award recipients. The Board of Directors may choose an honoree if none are presented by a region. 

Submission deadline: No later than the last Friday of February. The award will be given at the following Delegate Council.

Nomination Form: Administrator Award