This award recognizes teaching excellence of Illinois Music Educators in the early stage of their career. The Nominee:
1. Must be an ILMEA member in good standing.
2. Must have taught for less than 5 years with at least one of those years in Illinois.
3. Must be a current music educator from any level in a school, college and/or university in Illinois.
4. Must have demonstrated teaching excellence and leadership as an early service educator.

Please be prepared with contact information for yourself and the nominee, as well as the nominee's resume and three to five letters of recommendation in support of the nominee. Additional supporting information may be included as well. The nominator must also be an ILMEA member in good standing.