2013 Human Rights and Excellence Awards Nomination Form

Awards for
E
Human Rights &
xcellence
2014

2014 Awards for Human Rights and Excellence
Public education in Michigan is at center stage. As we commit ourselves to improving
public education in this state, our focus must continue to be on students and
supporting their desire to learn and their development as productive, empowered
and successful citizens.
The Association welcomes the public spotlight and views this awards program as an
opportunity to focus on all MEA members whose dedication and commitment to
educational excellence are clearly reflected in their work. These members represent
the best resources public education has.
It is with intense pride that MEA recognizes their exemplary service to Michigan’s
public schools and students from pre-K to 16. In presenting these awards for human
rights and excellence, MEA acknowledges member contributions and achievements
and will honor the recipients at the MEA Human Rights and Excellence Awards
Banquet.
To receive consideration, award nominations must be received by the Professional
Development/Human Rights Department by February 3, 2014.
Award nominations must be accompanied by a completed nominating
form and required documentation in order to be considered. Required
documentation must show evidence of the nominee’s accomplishments as specified
in each award for which they are to be considered.
Required documentation should also include letters of recommendation (no more
than 3); up to 10 pages of evidence of their work, research or additional information
which justifies their recommendation; and related photographs if applicable.
All nominees and nominating individuals or groups must be MEA members.
Nominating individuals or groups may submit nominations for more than one award.
Each award must be accompanied by a separate nominating form and required
documentation.
Nominating information and a nominating form are available at www.mea.org.

Herman W. Coleman Human Rights
ward
A
Connie Jackson Human Rights
ward
A
This award recognizes a person, program, or special event which
has served to improve the quality of human relationships. Special
consideration is given to those persons/programs which address
the betterment of human relationships within the Association.
Herman W. Coleman, MEA Executive Director for seven years, said
that the professional opportunities he experienced were a direct
result of personal sacrifices made by other minorities. As they
paved a way for him, he chose to pave the way for other minorities
and women.
Selection
Screening and final selection is done by the Human Relations
Commission.
This award recognizes MEA leaders who have championed
the cause of ethnic minority members of the profession and
demonstrated a commitment to the involvement of ethnic
minority members of the MEA. Subsequent to her election as a
Michigan NEA Director, Connie Jackson earned the respect of
MEA leadership and was known as the “conscience” of the MEA in
matters affecting ethnic minority members of the Association.
Selection
Screening and final selection is done by the Minority Concerns
Committee.

David McMahon Human Rights
ward
A
This award recognizes individuals or groups outside the MEA
which distinguish themselves by courageously accepting the
challenge of moral and ethical leadership in the field of human
and civil rights. David McMahon, as a teacher-leader, an MEA
Board member, and as an MEA President, acted on his beliefs and
initiated policies that resulted in an organizational commitment
to protecting and enhancing the human and civil rights of all MEA
members.
Selection
Screening and final selection is done by the Human Rights
Banquet Planning Committee.
Elizabeth Siddall Human Rights
ward
A
This award recognizes MEA members who have developed and
implemented programs that have enhanced international or
intercultural awareness among educators and their students. As a
classroom teacher, Elizabeth Siddall’s professional and personal
commitment stand as an inspiration to students and colleagues.
She dedicated her energies to the development of greater
understanding between persons of all races, cultures, creeds
and nations. Her life represented a commitment to international
understanding.
Selection
Screening and final selection is done by the International
Understanding Commission.

Maurine Wyatt Feminist
ward
A
This award was created to honor educators—male or female—
who exhibit a high degree of commitment in their professional
and personal lives to feminism and human and civil rights for all
people. The award honors Maurine Wyatt who approached each
task with quiet assertiveness. Her toughness and clear thinking
made her a formidable advocate.
Selection
Screening and final selection is done by the Women’s Issues
Committee.
E
xcellence Awards
MEA established the Excellence Awards to stress its commitment
to outstanding programs and performance that address the diverse
needs of the students MEA members serve. Excellence Awards may
be given in recognition of outstanding performance and service in
any one or more of the following categories:
Educational Excellence – The nominee should have
demonstrated commitment to educational excellence and a
concern for the improvement of student-focused education.
Screening and final selection is done by the Instruction and
Professional Development Commission.
Irma Ramos Bilingual Education – The nominee should have
made significant contributions to bilingual education in the spirit
of MEA member Irma Ramos who demonstrated a commitment
to and pride in bilingualism and multiculturalism. Screening and
selection is done by the Instruction and Professional Development
Commission and the English Language Learners/Migrant Education
Committee.

Gender Equity—The nominee should have demonstrated
commitment to the development of a project, program or study
that promotes the value and talents of women. The work must
contribute to gender equity in education and must be adaptable
to the classroom. Screening and final selection is done by the
Women’s Issues Committee.
Multicultural Education – Individuals or programs nominated
should be committed to multicultural instruction and the art of
teaching. Programs nominated may be developed by classroom
teachers, instructional teams, support professionals, curriculum
councils, school districts and/or higher education institutions.
Screening and final recommendation is done by the English
Language Learners/Migrant Education Committee.
Anne Sullivan Education and Support of Persons with
Disabilities – The nominee should have demonstrated
commitment—both professionally and personally—to the
education and support of persons with disabilities. There must
also be evidence of commitment to the promotion of the human
and civil rights of persons with disabilities, as exemplified by
the spirit of MEA member Anne Sullivan. Screening and final
selection is done by the Instruction and Professional Development
Commission.
Migrant Education – The nominee should have demonstrated
commitment to migrant education, especially in assuring equal
educational opportunities for migrant students. Screening
and final selection is done by the Instruction and Professional
Development Commission.

Awards for
E
Human Rights &
xcellence
2014
Nominating Form
Please fully complete the form by supplying all requested information. All
supportive documentation must be included with this form. Incomplete
nominating forms will not be considered.
Nomination is for:
Herman W. Coleman Human Rights Award
Connie Jackson Human Rights Award
David McMahon Human Rights Award
Maurine Wyatt Feminist Award
Excellence Awards
Educational Excellence
Irma Ramos Bilingual Education
Gender Equity
Multicultural Education
Anne Sullivan Education and Support of Persons with Disabilities
Migrant Education
To receive consideration, completed award nominations must be received by the
Professional Development/Human Rights Department by February 3, 2014.
Mail: Attn: Human Rights & Excellence Awards
Professional Development/Human Rights Department
Michigan Education Association
PO Box 2573
East Lansing, MI 48826-2573
Fax: 517-336-4013

Nominee Information
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Telephone (W) / (H) /
Email
Worksite/School District
Job classification/Job title
Supervisor/Principal
Local Association
Local Association President
UniServ Director
Check one: Instructional Non-instructional
Has the individual been informed of his/her nomination? Yes No
Please provide a brief biographical sketch. Include personal and
professional information.
Project/Program Information
Nominating forms must be accompanied by a completed nominating
form and required documentation in order to be considered.
Required documentation must show evidence of the nominee’s
accomplishments as specified in each area below and appropriate for the award
for which they are to be considered.
Required documentation must include letters of recommendation (no more
than 3); up to 10 pages of evidence of their work, research or additional
information which justifies their recommendation; and related photographs if
applicable. All nominees and nominating individuals or groups must be MEA
members.

Use additional sheets to complete the required information.
Title and description of project/program, including grade levels or
subject area targeted and number of years in existence
Record of success; provide specific examples
Outstanding program or service characteristics

Submitted by:
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Telephone (W) / (H) /
Email
Worksite/School District
Job classification/Job title
Supervisor/Principal
Local Association
Local Association President
UniServ Director

1216 Kendale Blvd, P.O. Box 2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573
517-332-6551 or 800-292-1934 www.mea.org
Steven B. Cook, President • Nancy Strachan, Vice President
Rick Trainor, Secretary-Treasurer • Gretchen Dziadosz, Executive Director