AzTEA believes a significant impact can be made at every educational level. Innovative leaders inspire change among all. We recognize educators, support personnel, administrators, and community members who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to educational technology in Arizona.

The process for AZTEA Innovation Award nominations has changed. This year, we are asking for nominations for awards. The nominees will then complete the AZTEA Innovation Award Application. Nominations are due by September 25, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

Award Categories:
SCHOOL DISTRICT, COUNTY, OR STATE ADMINISTRATOR: A school, district, or county administrator who skillfully recognizes and utilizes technologies that make their institution more efficient and effective, uses technology to engage families and communities, and encourages teachers to expand their professional knowledge and skills in integrating technology. (Example positions:principal, assistant principal, district superintendent, county superintendent)

CLASSROOM TEACHER: A classroom teacher who facilitates the development of 21st century skills through the integration of technology in a meaningful context; such as blended learning, project based, or inquiry based approaches.

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR / COORDINATOR: A school, district, or county technology administrator with a dynamic vision for the integration of technology to enhance student learning.

ED TECH SPECIALIST / COACH: A school or district EdTech Specialist or Technology Coach who facilitates effective, impactful technology integration coaching and mentoring to positively impact student learning outcomes.(An Ed Tech Specialist/Coach nominee could be a full time or part time position)

BLENDED ONLINE LEARNING: An educator that facilitates learning in an online or blended setting. Supporting and engaging all students is the key element of this award. Nominees must be currently teaching and/or providing professional development either in an online or blended learning setting with students.

RUTH CATALANO FRIEND OF TECHNOLOGY: This nominee must be a current AZTEA member. Dr. Ruth Catalano was a strong supporter of education technology and one of the founders of AZTEA. The nominee for this award demonstrates Ruth’s passion, interest, support, and active participation in educational technology.

MAKING IT HAPPEN: All nominees for this award must be active, current members of AzTEA.. The Making IT Happen award honors outstanding educators and leaders who are committed to transforming education through innovative technology integration. This internationally recognized program identifies visionaries around the world who cultivate connected, empowered learners in all schools. This award celebrates something that’s very important — those innovators who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving learning opportunities for students. These are people who:
1. Apply available technology now
2. Move forward and don't look back
3. See students as real people
4. Teach through relationships, inspiring, encouraging and nurturing
5. Recognize that further change is necessary, but understand that it is a process
6. Realize that teacher empowerment is the key element to technology integration
7. Expect success
8. Motivate through awareness and access to information

Nominations are due by September 25, 2023 at 11:59pm. If you have questions, please contact Debra White, debrawhite@aztea.org.