NIE provides the Tampa Bay Times and related educational resources to schools at no cost to schools, teachers or families through sponsor and subscriber support.

 

TAMPA BAY TIMES NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

The annual NIE Educator of the Year contest recognizes educators who use the Tampa Bay Times and NIE materials to enhance student learning and the learning environment.

Educators (teachers, media specialists, paraprofessionals, etc.) of any grade and subject in public and private schools in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties are eligible to enter.

The strongest entries are lessons, activities and projects in which news and the newspaper (print or digital) play an integral role. Entries that utilize the newspaper solely as one of multiple research sources tend to be less compelling.

Entries for the 2026 contest will be accepted Jan. 1 – April 1, 2026.

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:

First Round:Nominate yourself or a colleague – educators are encouraged to nominate themselves! Administrators, supervisors and parents are also encouraged to nominate. Tell us in 250 words or less how the nominee uses the Tampa Bay Times to enhance student learning and the learning environment with a newspaper-based lesson, activity or project. The deadline for the first round is April 1, 2026.

Second Round: Finalists will be asked to supply more information.

Winners Announced: The Grand Prize Winner and Runners-Up will be announced in May 2026.

Award Celebration: The Grand Prize Winner and Runners-Up will be celebrated at a reception and award ceremony in September 2026.

PRIZES

Grand Prize

Runners-Up

Nominate an educator