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Awards & Grants

VEA and NEA Grant and Scholarship Opportunities

VEA Mini-Grants

VEA Wants to Fund Your Classroom Project!
Got an innovative idea you’ve been itching to try with your students but just don’t have the money to make happen? Your Union is ready to help you turn your creativity loose!

Plan out your idea and then apply for a VEA Mini-Grant in any amount up to $500. If you’re selected, you’ll be set to launch your idea to improve student learning. Projects should be student-centered, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with the curriculum. The VEA is proud to support member projects each year through the Mini-Grant program. Get the details on how to apply. To download guidelines and criteria for the 2021 VEA Instruction Technology mini-grants, click here. The deadline to receive electronic entries is February 12.

Questions? Contact Chastity Urquhart in VEA Teaching & Learning at choward@veanea.org or 800-552-9554, ext. 335.

Meet our 2019-20 award winners

NEA Foundation Grants

The NEA Foundation offers competitive Learning & Leadership and Student Achievement grants of up to $5,000 for a range of professional development and instructional improvement endeavors. Application deadlines vary by program.

Click here for more details and application forms.

Beblon G. Parks Scholarship

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior intending to pursue a career in education. Dependents of a VEA or a VEA-Retired member are eligible.

VEA and NEA Awards Programs

2019 Awards Winners

VEA recognizes top-flight educators, support professionals, and supporters of public education through a range of awards.

Click here for award winners honored at the 2019 VEA Delegate Assembly in Richmond!

A+ Award for Membership Growth

This award is designed to recognize hard work toward membership increases and is given to locals and UniServ units that demonstrate growth.  Awards (plaques) will be presented at the 2019 VEA Delegate Assembly in Hampton. Membership numbers between September 1st – December 1st will be used to determine the percentage of membership growth.

Fitz Turner Commission Awards

The Fitz Turner Commission honors individuals or groups who have fostered positive relationships in your education community and helped to encourage leadership development. There are three categories for recognition: the Fitz Turner Award for Outstanding Contributions in Intergroup Relations, the Mary Hatwood Futrell Award for Distinguished Leadership in Education and the Barbara Johns Youth Award for Human Relations & Civil Rights. Learn more.

Rob Jones Political Activist Award

A newly created award intended to recognize an individual whose actions have contributed significantly to the advancement of public education legislation/policy, or to the election of public education friendly candidates in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VEA Award for Teaching Excellence

This is the highest award VEA offers for teaching excellence in the Commonwealth. The winner earns $500 and becomes Virginia’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence.

VEA Education Support Professional Award

This award honors outstanding work in the areas of professional practice, Association involvement, community engagement, personal achievement, and the enhancement of the image of support professionals. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ESP of the Year. The nomination package which includes procedures and guidelines can be found here. The deadline for submitting nominations has been extended to Wed., January 27, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

VEA Friend of Education Award

This is VEA’s highest honor, presented by the VEA Board of Directors, and recognizes an individual or organization whose leadership, actions, and support have significantly benefited education, education employees, or students in Virginia.

An individual recipient need not be a Virginian, but he or she should reflect the philosophy and principles of the VEA. Individual nominees may be public officials or private citizens, and selection of finalists will be made regardless of age, sex, race, color, or creed.

VEA Community Service Award

Has your local Association organized a community event? Helped out in a community fund drive? Cleaned up a neighborhood park or school? Held a reading or other education activity as part of a community festival? Helped advocate for a cause in partnership with a civic organization? The Communications/Public Relations Committee wants to know about your “good neighbor” deeds and advocacy.

 

VEA-Retired Distinguished Service Award

This honors retired members who have made significant contributions to the growth of the active and retired Association, in the promotion of public education, and for the welfare of educators. Winners must have been members of VEA-Retired for at least five consecutive years as of January 15 of the award year, and this award can be given posthumously.

NEA Awards Programs

The NEA Foundation and the NEA offer a range of awards, including the following:

The NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
Awarded to a distinguished Association member for “professional practice, advocacy for the profession, community engagement, leadership in professional development and attention to diversity.” Each affiliate of the NEA submits one candidate. Visit the NEA Foundation website for details.

Click Here for Details

NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards
The NEA’s division of Human and Civil Rights conducts an annual awards program honoring distinguished leaders in education and other settings. Descriptions of award categories are available here. For more, contact NEA Human and Civil Rights at 202-822-7700.

Click Here for Details

Did You Know?

According to a poll conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, 70% of Virginians say public schools do not have enough funding to meet their needs.

Take Action Now
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