Skip to Content

College of Education

Champions of Education Awards

All university graduates are eligible for the following awards. Award recipients will be selected by an Awards Selection Committee based on their professional achievement, service to the College of Education, and service to the society. 

Retired Educator Award

This award honors educators who have made a great impact on students’ lives. The nominee must have spent a minimum of 15 years as an educator and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. Nominees can include retired superintendents, educational administrators, teachers, guidance counselors or researchers. 

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • Candidate must have 15 years or more experience in the education field.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Veteran Teacher Award

This award is given to a classroom teacher in recognition of their services to the profession and the students they teach. The nominee must have spent a minimum of 10 years as a teacher, and their work incorporates best practices helping students succeed in the classroom. 

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • Candidate must have 10 years or more experience as an educator, specifically a classroom teacher.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Outstanding New Teacher Award

Nominees for this award have been in the teaching profession for no more than five years, but in that short time, have demonstrated a strong ability to foster excellence in the classroom.

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • Candidate must have no more than five years experience as an educator.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Educator Working Outside the Classroom Award

This award is presented to educators working outside the classroom who inspire excellence among their peers and exhibit a powerful commitment to the field. Superintendents, educational administrators, counselors, coaches or researchers are eligible for nomination. 

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Diversity and Equity Award

This award is designed to recognize outstanding achievement, leadership, and service among educators who are closing the gap with historically underrepresented populations in the teaching profession. Representing a culturally diverse or underrepresented background, the nominee brings unique perspectives and ideas to the education community. 

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Distinguished Service Award

This award honors individuals who provide selfless service to the education community. This award is NOT limited to our alumni. This award could be presented to companies or organizations making great impacts on student achievement in transformative ways.

Eligibility Considerations

  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

 

Sallie S. Ortmann Innovative Educator Award

This award is given to a classroom teacher in recognition of innovation in teaching, collaboration and service. The nominee will demonstrate intention and creativity in the profession and will uphold the model of innovation set by the life and legacy of Sallie S. Ortmann.

Eligibility Considerations

  • Candidate must be an alumnus or alumna of the University of South Carolina.
  • Candidate must be a classroom teacher.
  • It is preferred that the candidate is able to attend the Alumni Award Reception (March 2025), but extenuating circumstances can warrant alternative technological communication when receiving the award instead.
  • Candidate must not be running for or currently holding a public office.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©