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ISTE Awards

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We recognize teachers, leaders, districts and contributors throughout the education ecosystem for their achievements, impact and potential.

2024 Press Release: ISTE Recognizes Trailblazing Educators and Districts

Nominations are now closed.

ISTE Impact Award

The ISTE Impact Award recognizes individuals who have done outstanding work to improve learning opportunities, and have been a major force for innovation in education. These are trailblazers whose work will have national or global impact for years to come. Candidates:

  • Bring innovation to the national or global education community.

  • Focus on closing opportunity gaps and create a more equitable education system.

  • Embody the spirit of the ISTE Standards to transform learning, teaching and leading.

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ISTE Distinguished District Award

ISTE Distinguished Districts are U.S. school districts that are transforming education in big ways. These districts search out and embrace change to improve teaching and learning, make efforts to reach all students, and serve as an example for other schools to follow. Candidates:

  • Demonstrate the innovative and effective use of technology throughout their district.

  • Ensure equitable, accessible and appropriate technology use for all students, and are focused on improving learner outcomes and continuously enhancing the learning experience.

  • Bring along all stakeholders, including staff, students, families and the community, in the process.

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ISTE 20 to Watch Award

ISTE recognizes 20 individuals who are up and coming and are already making a difference through their work. Winners have exemplified excellence through projects or artifacts others can replicate. Candidates:

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply technology to improve learning.

  • Improve their professional practice by continuously exploring new techniques and consistently evaluating and reflecting on current practices.

  • Share their solutions with others, modeling ISTE’s mission to innovate teaching and learning, accelerate good practice and solve tough problems in education.

Past award winners have led projects like executing a new professional development program for their staff and developing game-based curriculum for their students. Others stand out for integrating global collaboration and social responsibility into their work.

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Making It Happen Award

The Making It Happen award honors visionary educators and leaders who cultivate connected, empowered learners. Since its inception in 1995, more than 800 educators from around the world have received this award.

ISTE and its global affiliates present Making It Happen awards, often to educators and leaders who have helped move ISTE initiatives forward. Each awarding organization chooses its winner(s) internally. There is no nomination process. Winners:

  • Turn ISTE’s mission to innovate teaching and learning, accelerate good practice and solve tough problems in education into action.

  • Leverage ISTE Standards and programs to create change in learning and teaching.

  • Champion progressive edtech planning in the short term, and persevere over time to support large-scale change.

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