Nomination forms and documentation for the NJEA Marie Blistan Advocacy Award are due Nov. 1, 2024. Awards will be presented at the NJEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human and Civil Rights Celebration on Jan. 11, 2025.

Purpose

To honor advocates who champion the rights of children and adults with exceptionalities.

Criteria

The award nominee must be an active or retired NJEA member or staff member or an individual living or working in New Jersey who promotes rights and equality for all persons with exceptionalities, particularly in education. Individuals who are eligible for NJEA membership must be NJEA active or retired members in good standing.

Nominees must meet at least two of the following five criteria:

• Be engaged in activities that support or advance the rights of individuals with exceptionalities in public education.
• Contributes or contributed to motivating colleagues and /or students to work on or make progress in addressing issues affecting people with exceptionalities in public education and in the community at large.
• Have established programs, developed activities, or held events that are designed to educate or empower individuals with exceptionalities.
• Informs and enhances opportunities for people with exceptionalities to assume leadership positions.
• Is a strong advocate for human and civil rights, while elevating the voice of people with exceptionalities.

Nominees may not be current members of the Exceptional Children Committee.

Nomination Procedures

Any NJEA member or county or local association may nominate an individual to be considered for the award.

Nominations and supporting documentation must be submitted on the NJEA website by Nov. 1. The recipient must be available to attend the awards ceremony. Ceremony date to be published annually.

Selection Process

Up to two awards may be made annually—one designated for NJEA active or retired members and one designated for other community members. If a qualified candidate has not been nominated, the award will not be given that year.

The Exceptional Children Committee, serving as the award selection committee, shall conduct a blind screening of all nominations. Nominated applicants will be judged solely upon listed award criteria, supporting nomination materials, and the goal of the award.

The committee shall submit its recommendation(s) for the award nominee or nominees to the NJEA Executive Committee, which shall determine final approval of the award winner(s).

To make a nomination, fill out the form below and attach supporting documentation. For more information email Camy Kobylinski below.