Nominations are now open for six awards that will be presented during the NJEA Equity Alliance Conference on Saturday, April 24, 2027
The awards open for nomination are:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human and Civil Rights Award
This award is conferred by the NJEA Human and Civil Rights Committee. Nominees may be an individual, group or organization working in the area of civil rights, and if eligible, NJEA members.
Equality Champion Award
This award is conferred by the NJEA Rainbow Alliance Committee. This award honors a member who has been a champion of human and civil rights, and who has had a significant impact on education and the achievement of equal opportunity for those facing discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Elizabeth A. Allen Women in Education Award
This award is conferred by the NJEA Women in Education Committee. Named for NJEA’s first female president, the award honors a member or an individual living or working in New Jersey who promotes women’s rights and equality for all persons, particularly in education.
Dr. Judith Owens Spirit Award
This award is conferred by the NJEA Minority Leadership and Recruitment Committee. Named for Dr. Judith Owens, the first African American president of NJEA, this award honors a member who has been a champion of ethnic minority rights and issues and who has had a significant impact on education and the achievement of equal opportunity for those facing discrimination because of their ethnicity.
Urban Educator Activist Award
This award is conferred by the NJEA Urban Education Committee. The award honors active and retired members who have been champions for urban education and the well-being of all stakeholders in urban communities.
Marie Blistan Advocacy Award
This award is conferred by the Exceptional Children Committee. Up to two awards may be made annually—one designated for NJEA active or retired members and one designated for other community members. The award honors active and retired members who have been champions for the rights of children and adults with exceptionalities.
Nomination forms and documentation for any of these awards are due Dec. 1, 2026.
For awards criteria and to make a nomination, click “Nominate” below.
For more information, contact Colleen Lopez at clopez@njea.org or 609-599-4561, ext. 2290.