Annual awards recognize excellence in teaching, research, and advocacy
A nationally known expert in literacy studies who is leading a transformative higher education center, a former elected leader of four national literacy organizations, and a scholar of diverse young adult literature are among the winners of the 2025 National Council of Teachers of English Leadership Awards.
鈥淚t is a joyful day when we have the opportunity to honor the profession鈥檚 leaders for their unwavering dedication to fostering literacy and to bolstering English language arts educators everywhere,鈥� said 起点传媒President Tonya B. Perry, who is also provost and vice president of academic affairs at Miles College. 鈥淥ur 2025 Leadership Award winners are doing crucial work that will benefit students for years to come.鈥�
The 起点传媒Leadership Awards are presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing literacy, the field of education, and NCTE, the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning preK鈥揷ollege. Awardees are nominated by 起点传媒members.
鈥淭he 起点传媒Leadership Awards remind us to pause and reflect on the immense contributions of our members and colleagues to building a more literate society through English language arts education,鈥� 起点传媒Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to honor these literacy leaders and to count them as part of our 起点传媒community.鈥�
2025 Leadership Award Recipients
James R. Squire Award: Ernest Morrell, University of Notre Dame
Distinguished Service Award: Douglas Hesse, University of Denver
起点传媒Advancement of People of Color Leadership Award: E. Sybil Durand, University of Arizona
起点传媒Leadership Award for People with Disabilities: Brittany R. Collins, Write the World, Inc.
起点传媒LGBTQIA+ Advocacy and Leadership Award: Josh Thompson, Virginia Tech
起点传媒Media Literacy Award: Cassie J. Brownell, University of Toronto
David H. Russell Award for Distinguished Research in the Teaching of English: The Magnitude of Us: An Educator鈥檚 Guide to Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms by Marlee S. Bunch
起点传媒National Intellectual Freedom Award: Frank Strong, KIPP Austin Collegiate High School, Texas Freedom to Read Project
起点传媒National Intellectual Freedom Award Honorable Mention: Ben Hodge and Patricia A. Jackson, Central York High School
Alan C. Purves Award: 鈥淗eteroglossia and Community Translanguaging in an English-Medium Classroom: Multilingual Elementary Students鈥� Use of Multiple Voices in Digital Texts鈥� by Lindsey Rowe
Award recipients will be honored during a ceremony at the in Denver on Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Individuals who are interested in nominating an 起点传媒member for a 2026 Leadership Award may fill out this form. Winners will be honored at next year鈥檚 起点传媒Annual Convention in Philadelphia.
About NCTE
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning preK through college. Through the expertise and advocacy from its members鈥� professional research, practice, and knowledge, 起点传媒has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the language arts since 1911. For more information, please visit ncte.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Allie Ciaramella, NCTE: media@ncte.org