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 2023), 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 15 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 15 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 2023), 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 2023), 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 2023), 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 2023), 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 2023), 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.