Honoring extraordinary high school teachers

EVANSTON - Members of Northwestern University’s Class of 2018 are encouraged to recognize high school teachers who have made a big difference in their lives by nominating them for the University’s eighth annual Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award (DSTA), a prestigious honor given to several outstanding high school educators each year.

Four or five high school teachers will be selected and honored at Commencement next June. Each teacher and his or her school also will receive an award of $5,000.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 1. 

This award, co-sponsored by the Associated Student Government and the Office of the President, recognizes the transforming power of teachers in our lives and our communities.

In selecting the winners, the selection committee considers essays from seniors about their former high school teachers. Committee members also consider portfolios submitted by the nominated teachers that include an explanation of their teaching philosophy and letters of recommendation. A small group of finalists are interviewed and the committee makes recommendations to President Morton Schapiro for this recognition.

Award recipients will be announced in April 2018. Student nominators of the award-winning teachers also will be recognized during Commencement events.

“We want very much for you to think about a high school teacher who made a difference in your life,” President Schapiro said in a letter to students of the class of 2018. “Take a few minutes to nominate one for this wonderful award.”

If you are a graduating senior and wish to nominate a high school teacher, please use the teacher nomination form.

View a short video describing the impact of this award.

If you have any questions about the Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award, please e-mail DSTAwards@northwestern.edu or visit the award’s website.