Menu
Log in
Forgot password
Log in
Forgot password


The NAEE Teacher of the Year Award is designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of dynamic classroom teachers who are advancing economic literacy. This award celebrates educators who:

  • use innovative methods to enhance student understanding of economic concepts,
  • create impactful projects and activities, and
  • contribute to the broader educational community through professional development and collaboration.

The award highlights teachers who make economic principles accessible and relevant, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes. Up to two teachers will be honored each year, one at the K-5 level and one at the Grade 6+ level. Each winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

The evaluation criteria for each category are included below. Nominations are open now through June 30, 2025. The nomination fee is $50. Nominators must be NAEE members, there is no membership requirement for nominees.

Nominate a Teacher

Innovative Teaching Methods

What innovative teaching methods or strategies has your NAEE Economics Teacher of the Year candidate implemented in their classroom to enhance students' understanding of economic concepts, and how have these methods impacted student engagement and learning outcomes? (200-250 words)

4 Exceeds Expectations

  • Consistently implements highly innovative and creative teaching methods that significantly enhance students’ understanding of economic concepts.

  • Demonstrates a dynamic approach to teaching by using  a variety of teaching strategies tailored to diverse learners.

3 Meets Expectations

  • Regularly uses effective teaching methods that enhance students’ understanding of economic concepts.

  • Demonstrates thoughtful planning by using a variety of teaching strategies.

2 Approaches Expectations

  • Occasionally implements innovative teaching strategies alongside traditional methods of direct instruction.

  • Recognizes the diversity of learners and incorporates some variation in teaching strategies.

1 Falls Far Below Expectations

  • Primarily uses traditional methods of direct instruction.

  • Focuses on one teaching strategy.


Creation/Implementation of Projects, Activities, or Initiatives

Describe specific projects, activities, or initiatives your NAEE Economics Teacher of the Year candidate has developed or utilized that demonstrate their commitment to economic education and their ability to make complex economic principles accessible and relevant to students? (200-250 words)

4 Exceeds Expectations

  • Develops and utilizes highly creative and impactful projects, activities, and/or initiatives.

  • Makes complex economic concepts highly accessible and relevant to students.

3 Meets Expectations

  • Creates and uses effective projects, activities, and/or initiatives.

  • Makes economic concepts accessible and relevant to students.

2 Approaches Expectations

  • Creates and uses projects, activities, and/or initiatives with some effectiveness.

  • Makes some economic concepts somewhat accessible and relevant to students.

1 Falls Far Below Expectations

  • Occasionally creates or uses projects, activities, and/or initiatives.

  • Shows effort to make economic concepts accessible and relevant.


Contribution to the Broader Economic Education Community

In what ways has your NAEE Economics Teacher of the Year candidate contributed to the broader educational community, such as through professional development, collaboration with colleagues, or involvement in economic education organizations, and how have these contributions furthered the mission of promoting economic literacy? (200-250 words)

4 Exceeds Expectations

  • Actively contributes to the economic education community through a leadership role in professional development programs.

  • Serves as a mentor to other educators, fostering a collaborative environment.

3 Meets Expectations

  • Contributes to the economic education community through active participation in professional development programs.

  • Engages with colleagues, supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

2 Approaches Expectations

  • Occasionally contributes to the economic education community through participation in professional development programs.

  • Engages with colleagues and demonstrates a willingness to share best practices.

1 Falls Far Below Expectations

  • Demonstrates effort to contribute to the economic education community.

  • Engages with colleagues, reflecting a developing commitment to professional collaboration.


 NAEE is a 501(c)(3) corporation
 Federal Tax ID: 31-1093778

Questions?
Contact Amanda Jennings, NAEE Executive Secretary
info@naee.net
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software