Supporting our Members
ISTA is proud of our members and the work they do. ISTA and the ISTA Foundation strive to recognize, honor and fund members and future educators to continue high-quality, public education in Indiana. Criteria for nominations and applications are outlined for each scholarship and award.
Scholarships
Career Scholarship
Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members
This scholarship is open to students with demonstrated academic achievement and leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years if eligibility requirements are met and a transcript is submitted.
Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.
Questions? Email Camille Bell.
ISTA Foundation District & Retired Scholarship
Eligible: Public high school seniors who are children, stepchildren, grandchildren or step grandchildren of current ISTA members
This scholarship is open to graduates of a public high school in December or May/June of the school year of application who had at least a C average, plan to participate in a formal accredited training program (apprenticeship, trade school, cosmetology, etc.) or attend a two- to four-year accredited college or university and are the children or grandchildren (stepchildren and step grandchildren qualify) of an ISTA member. The applicant does not need to have attended high school in the same district in which the ISTA member teaches, nor live with the ISTA member.
ISTA Foundation contributes to the scholarships that are awarded locally. Nominations for the district scholarship should be submitted by April 1. All nominations for retired scholarship should be submitted by April 1 and will be sent to the Retired Scholarship Committee for consideration. Scholarship checks are mailed or presented to the scholarship awardees by July.
Questions? Contact Camille Bell for the district scholarship and Becky Koerner for the ISTA-Retired scholarship.
Educator Scholarship
Eligible: Public high school seniors who are dependents of current ISTA members
This scholarship is open to students actively pursuing a degree in education who are dependents of ISTA members. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.
Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.
Questions? Email Camille Bell.
Justine M. Harrell Memorial Scholarship
Eligible: Public high school seniors pursuing a degree in education (renewable for three years)
This scholarship is open to a public high school senior pursuing a degree in education. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded for a total of four years if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA enrolled in an education curriculum at an accredited college or university in Indiana. Applicants for the need-based scholarship must also meet the income criteria of at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement, submission of an essay and recommendations and financial need. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.
Questions? Contact Camille Bell.
Damon P. Moore Scholarship
Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors
This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue a teaching certificate. The scholarship was named for Damon P. Moore, an African-American educator, who served three terms as ISTA president and continues to be a positive role model for young minorities aspiring to enter the education field. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for three consecutive years.
Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.
Questions? Email Camille Bell.
Louis B. Russell Scholarship
Eligible: Minority, Indiana public high school seniors
This scholarship is open to a minority public high school senior who plans to pursue industrial arts, vocational education or technical preparation at an accredited post-secondary institution. This scholarship was named for Louis Russell, an African-American industrial arts educator, who acquired international recognition as the world’s longest-living heart transplant patient. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually with an option to renew for one consecutive year.
Applicants must be a minority pursuing education in the vocational arts and a graduate of the class of the current year entering a fully-accredited postsecondary institution as a freshman. Criteria for selection includes academic achievement, leadership in co-curricular activities and community involvement and submission of an essay and recommendations. A seven-semester transcript is required to complete application process. Application deadline is March 1 with the scholarship awarded in July.
Questions? Contact Camille Bell.
ISTA Foundation National Board Certification Scholarship
Eligible: ISTA members
This scholarship is open to ISTA members who are candidates for National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The ISTA Foundation accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 1. Candidates are eligible to receive the ISTA Foundation National Board Certification Scholarship once during initial certification and once for renewal/maintenance during certification cycle. Awards are up to $500 and issued on a first come, first served basis as applications are received, provided the applicant meets all scholarship criteria. Beginning in 2019, applicants must submit proof of registration and component purchase(s) with scholarship application submission.
The application period opens annually Sept. 1 until scholarship funds have been exhausted.
Learn more about National Board Certification.
Grants
ISTA Foundation Educator Learning Grant
Eligible: School districts and corporations that are served by American Fidelity and/or Security Benefit products and services
The ISTA Foundation, in partnership with American Fidelity and Security Benefit, is accepting applications for the ISTA Foundation Educator Learning Grant. In partnership with their ISTA local affiliate, the grant should fund high-quality professional development for educators identified as of interest to educators within the district or corporation.
The grant application must be jointly submitted by the school district or corporation superintendent with endorsement by the ISTA local association president. Applications must include detailed professional development programming, budget and program evaluation criteria. While not required, grant applications related to racial and social justice topics are strongly encouraged. All professional development funded through this grant must occur during duty time, unless otherwise agreed to by the local association and the school district or corporation.
The maximum award amount is $10,000. The grant application is April 15 – June 30. The grant will be awarded in August. Professional development must be completed and funding must be expended by the June following grant award.
Questions? Contact Diana Crum.
Professional Development Grant
Eligible: Local associations and/or District Councils
This grant is open to local associations and District Councils to provide professional development to their members. For the purposes of this grant, professional development is any program or process that results in developing the skills of educators, increases student learning or improves school or classroom quality.
The grant provides a disbursement of $1 for every member in the local association or District Council, whichever applies. Annual funding for this grant is limited.
Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Professional Practices & Standards Committee will review and approve grant applications quarterly by the following dates: Nov. 15, Feb. 15, May 15 and Aug. 15. The grant summary form must be submitted 30 days after the last grant activity is completed, or by Aug. 31, whichever is sooner.
Questions? Contact Angela Miller.
Opportunity Grant
Eligible: Local associations and District Councils
This grant is open to a local association, two or more local associations jointly or a District Council to initiate creative projects/programs, which enhance public education in our local communities. The $500 grant is awarded annually, and as funding permits, grant renewal may be considered.
Criteria for selection includes the project/program’s link to the community, the applicant’s commitment to the project/program, the promotion and enhancement of public education and the ongoing effort to support public education. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 30 with all supportive materials included. The Issues and Concerns communications subcommittee will review applications and make recommendations to the board of directors for grants to be awarded by Jan. 15.
Questions? Contact John O'Neal.
Awards
Quality Local Association
This award recognizes locals growing organizational development. To quality for the Quality Local Award the local Association must meet the following requirements:
To qualify for the Quality Local Award the local Association must meet the red requirements.
To qualify for Quality Local with Distinction Award the local Association must meet all the red requirements with additional points in each section.
Quality Local Requirements:
- Maintain 70% or higher membership
- Local Associations can also make a case to prove significant growth (providing proof of how they increased) if they don’t meet the 70%
- Meet ISTA bylaws
- NEA fees paid
- Seat 70% of delegates to the ISTA Representative Assembly (delegates or alternates count) that your local is allotted
- Send (at least one) delegate to every scheduled DisCo meeting
- Send (at least one) delegate to the District PAC meetings as scheduled
- Officers have been trained for their roles in the local leadership within the first year of their term beginning
- All Elected Executive Board Offices are filled
- Building Representative Training is offered yearly
- Attend regularly scheduled Administration Discussion meetings
- Communicate with local membership at least monthly
- At least one community engagement event is held by the local Association
Quality Local Award with Distinction Requirements
Concept: Local Associations will work towards a total of 25 points across the three following categories while at the same time meeting the minimum point values for each category.
For each activity the local has done, submit corresponding documentation. This can be minutes, flyers, photos, newspaper articles, sign-in sheets, certificates of attendance, copies of correspondence or newsletters, etc.
Red Indicates mandatory activity or requirement.
NEA Activities (National Level Actions) See NEA.org -- 4 points required
- NEA fees paid (requirement, does not earn points)
- Send one or more delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly, or have a local member serve on the NEA Board (2 Points)
- Apply for one of the NEA Grants or Programs available to locals (1 point each)
- These grants/ programs include, but are not limited to:
- American Recovery Plan Grant
- Read Across America Event Grant
- Ballot Measure Grant
- Organizing Grant
- Great Public Schools Local Project Grant for Family/Community Partnerships
- Great Public Schools Local Project Grant for Supporting Educators Across the Career Continuum
- Great Public Schools Fund Grant
- Local President Release Time Program
- Student-Centered Bargaining and Advocacy
- Racial Justice in Education Grant
- Any NEA program or grant offered during the calendar year
- Provide programming in line with an NEA initiative (1 point each)
- Do one of the activities listed on the NEA website under Racial and Social Justice (or a similar one adapted for your local)
- Plan and implement a Read Across America event or an event that celebrates multicultural books throughout the year using the NEA calendar
- Have three or more members participate in an NEA hearing (1 point possible)
- Host an NEA Member Benefits Fair or information event (1 point per event held)
State-Level Activities (ISTA) -- 6 points
- Seat 70% of delegates to the Representative Assembly (delegates or alternates count)(required and not worth points)
- Have a local member serve on an ISTA Board, Committee (i.e. Governance, Issues and Concerns, Racial Affairs, etc.) or a special board convened by the president (1 point per board/committee served on)
- Send one or more members to a state-level event (1 point per event attended)
- Good Teaching Conference
- Summer Leadership Training
- Indiana Educators Rising Conference
- Early Leadership Institute
- Emerging Leaders
- Bargaining, Officer, Representative Training
- Legislative Kickoff Event
- Lobbying event
- Social Justice Book Club Event
- Have a Red for Ed Coordinator and at least three Red for Ed events
- Have a Legislative Action Team member
District Level Activities -- 3 points total
- Send (at least one) delegate to every scheduled DisCo meeting (required activity, not worth points)
- Send (at least one) delegate to the District PAC meetings as scheduled (required activity, not worth points)
- Serve as a committee member on a district committee: PAC, Red4Ed, LAT, etc., (1 point per committee served on)
- Local state board members attend and report to District Council meetings (1 point per committee member)
- Have members who participate in District level trainings or events, i.e., book studies, organizing workshops, membership workshops, etc. (1 point per event attended)
Local Activities -- 7 points
- Officers have been trained for their roles in the local leadership within the first year of their term beginning
- All Elected Executive Board Offices are filled
- Building Representative Training is offered yearly
- Attend regularly scheduled Administration Discussion meetings
- Communicate with local membership at least monthly
- At least one community engagement event is held by the local Association
- Have a Red for Ed leader in your local (1 point)
- Host at least one Legislative activity: i.e., letter/postcard writing campaign, candidate forum, breakfast or meet & greet, volunteer for a candidate the PAC or Local has endorsed, etc. (1 point per activity)
- Host a one Red for Ed event (1 point per activity)
- Have a local member at every school board meeting - either virtually or in-person as needed (1 point)
- Join or participate in local Chamber of Commerce or other community business organization (1 point)
- Participate in a community celebration, i.e., have a unit in a parade, a booth at a fair or community market, etc. (1 point per event)
- Host a tailgate party at a sporting event (can be a school event) to make your local visible to the community (1 point per event)
- Host a charitable or goodwill event, i.e., food, clothing or school supply drive, etc. (this is an addition to the community engagement event listed in red)
- Demonstrate member volunteerism in the community beyond classroom/school activities and/or expectations. For instance: coaching Little league, volunteering at homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters, manning hotlines, serving as scout leaders or 4-H and other similar youth programs, volunteering at food banks, etc. (1 point per organization members are involved in)
N. Robert Montfort Communications
Eligible: ISTA members and local associations
This award recognizes outstanding communications efforts of members and local affiliates. One entry per local association is permitted. Nominations should include newspapers, newsletters, editorials, legislative bulletins, political action committee newsletters, communications plans or other innovative communications efforts to be considered for the award. All entries, with the exception of editorials, must include printed reference to the local’s affiliation with ISTA and NEA or include the United Education Profession logo.
The 2023 award recipient is Betty Batliner.
Community Service
Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication for the community. Nominations are open to ISTA members who recently completed or are currently completing a community service project outside the classroom. Each District Council determines its own criteria and selects a district honoree. The ISTA Issues and Concerns Committee reviews and recommends honorees to the board of directors.
The 2023 award recipient is Teshea Barbee.
Phillip Carey for Human Relations
Eligible: ISTA members, education advocates, local associations
This award recognizes individuals — ISTA members or education advocates — and local associations who have made a significant contribution to advancing human and civil rights in education. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member or local association. Nominations must include two letters of recommendation and a written statement by the nominator outlining the candidate’s efforts in achieving one or more of the following goals:
Protect and advance the human and civil rights and responsibilities of educators and students.
Work to increase respect, understanding and acceptance toward individuals and groups in our Association, our schools and our communities.
Advance equal educational opportunities for all students.
Develop and implement programs that will inform teachers about human and civil rights and how they can be carried out.
Work toward equitable salaries and working conditions.
Eliminate discrimination in the hiring, displacement and personnel practices of school corporations.
Develop and implement curriculum that promotes the concept of cultural pluralism.
The 2023 award recipient is Amy Peddie.
Outstanding Treasurer
Eligible: Local association treasurers
This award recognizes well-trained, hard-working local treasurers for their service and dedication to the education profession and the Association. Nomination criteria includes membership dues, financial records and training. All local treasurers who meet the criteria will receive the award when nominated. Nomination forms are sent to local association presidents in August of each year. Nominations must be completed and returned to ISTA treasurer postmarked by Sept. 30.
Questions? Contact Doug Taylor.
Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter
Eligible: ISTA members, local associations, District Councils or other committees
The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter Award is designed to recognize current outstanding examples of courage, commitment, innovation or dedication in advancing the status of education in Indiana. The Nathan G. Schnellenberger Pacesetter is awarded to outstanding active members, local associations and District Councils or other committees established by and limited to active members of the Association. A committee appointed by the ISTA president will evaluate the nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. The honoree will receive an exclusive pin, trophy and recognition in the Association’s publications.
The Pacesetter Award was renamed in June 2019 to honor and recognize the outstanding lifetime work of Nathan G. Schnellenberger.
Nomination deadline has been extended to April 1 with the award presentation at an ISTA event.
Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.
ISTA Hoosier Educator of the Year
Eligible: ISTA members
Supported by Horace Mann
Guidelines are based on the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
This award recognizes an ISTA member who exemplifies professional practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement and leadership in professional development.
Nominations must be made by an ISTA member based on the following criteria.
- Professional Practice
- Advocacy for the Profession
- Attention to Diversity
- Community Engagement
- Leadership in Professional Development
Please carefully read the detailed nomination guidelines to ensure nominee meets criteria and applicant prepares and supplies all necessary information.
Horace Mann Educators Corporation generously recognizes the Hoosier Educator of the Year with a monetary award. The Hoosier honoree is sent to the NEA Foundation as Indiana’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. State affiliate nominees with technology leadership experience will be considered for a separate and distinct honor, the AOL@School NEA Foundation Award for Technology Leadership.
The 2023 award recipient is Carol Pierobon-Hofer.
J.D. Miller Young Activist
Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes Association activism and engagement within the first five years as educators. This award was named for Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller who was a past state president of ISEA who demonstrated tremendous promise as an Association advocate and leader. He passed away before he could fully realize his dream of teaching. Nominees may be nominated by any active ISTA member or they may be self-nominated with the endorsement of one additional active ISTA member. Applications must detail the nominee’s activism in relationship with ISTA’s strategic goals.
The 2023 award recipient is Kerry Showers.
Minority Educator
Eligible: ISTA members
This award recognizes outstanding, active minority classroom educators. Nominees must be active ISTA members, participate in the Association and receive recommendations from the local association president and a colleague. Nominations must be made by an ISTA member and include nominee’s educational background, work experience, Association involvement, community and civic engagement and other relevant experience.
The 2023 award recipient is Suzanne Glass-Foster.
ESP of the Year
Eligible: ISTA ESP members
This award recognizes extraordinary efforts by education support professionals (ESP) on behalf of kids. Nominees must be an ISTA ESP member working in a public education support position who are youth-oriented and have gone beyond the usual expectations of their job description. Nominations will be evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the ISTA president. Follow-up interviews by phone or in-person with nominees or references may be included in the process.
Lifetime Achievement
Eligible: Retiring ISTA members
This award recognizes members in the year of their retirement or the year immediately following retirement for a lifetime of achievement at the local level as well as the district, state or national level. A subcommittee of the Governance Committee will evaluate nominations and make recommendations to the board of directors. All members are urged to nominate deserving members. There is no limit to the number of awards given in any one year.
The 2023 award recipients are John Comer, Joy Lohmeyer and Bonnie Thrasher.
David Hanna Golden Touch
Eligible: ISTA-Retired members
This award recognizes outstanding contributions of retired members of ISTA-Retired who have demonstrated continued leadership in the Association and the community. Nominations may be made by any member, chapter, local or District Council and must include supportive materials such as newsletters, news clips, pictures, videos, letters of recommendation, etc.
Criteria for selection includes promotion of ISTA-Retired, continued leadership in the Association through ISTA-Retired, involvement in the Association on the local, state or national level, demonstrated volunteer work in public education or the community and ongoing advocacy for public education retirees and public education.
The 2023 award recipient is Roger Sharp.
Friend of Education
Eligible: Community supporters of public education
This award recognizes an individual and/or organization whose leadership and support have contributed to statewide improvement of Indiana’s public schools. Nominees should reflect philosophies and principles compatible with ISTA’s mission and vision. Any ISTA member or local association may nominate an individual or organization. Nominations will be evaluated by the ISTA Executive Committee.
Nomination deadline has been extended to April 1 with the award presentation to be scheduled at an ISTA event.
Questions? Contact Sherri Purdue.
School Bell
Eligible: News media professionals
This award recognizes exceptional work by news media professionals who support the philosophy of ISTA and public education. Eligible nominees include newspapers, broadcast and radio as well as individual reporters with the entry submission having been published/aired during the 12-month period preceding the March 1 deadline. Nominations must be made by an individual member through your local association president or District Council chairperson. One nomination each may be submitted for newspaper, broadcast and radio.
The 2023 award recipient is Kristin Bien.