The Don Sahli Scholarship Fund was established in 1971 to honor Dr. Donald G. Sahli, executive secretary of the Tennessee Education Association at the time. When he retired in 1976, gifts from educators assured continuation of the Don Sahli Scholarship Fund for members of the Student Tennessee Education Association. Today, many locals contribute annually to the fund, which has grown from granting one scholarship to granting ten. 

Donald G. Sahli was a man who appreciated the value of a scholarship, regardless of the size. A scholarship lightened many burdens for him as he struggled financially while attending college, especially as he worked for his master's and doctorate degrees at Ohio State University.

Sahli brought a broad background of experience — as a high school teacher of mathematics and history, high school principal, college instructor and dean, and superintendent — to TEA when he joined the staff in 1956 as Director of Public Relations.

The TEA Board of Directors elected him to the Association's top executive position in January 1963. He retired in 1976 as executive secretary emeritus.

Under Sahli's leadership, TEA membership increased significantly: the staff increased from five to thirty-two; the TEA headquarters building mortgage was burned; the TEA and Tennessee Education Congress merged successfully; professional liability insurance and the UniServ field service program were established; and members approved the unification of the local, state and national Associations.

Sahli was the first Association executive secretary in the country to serve on the Education Commission of the States. He also served on the executive committee of the National Council of State Education Associations.

A national colleague declared, "Dr. Sahli's contributions to the teaching profession are etched on the mileposts of educational progress in Tennessee and the nation."

To honor Kathy Woodall, the TEA Board of Directors created the Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Scholarship Fund as an honor and memorial to the only TEA President to die while in office. Kathryn C. Woodall died at her home September 6, 1996, after a long battle with cancer. Woodall began her second two-year term as president in July 1996.

Woodall was a native of Cheatham County and a proud graduate of Austin Peay State University. She was an educator in the Metro Nashville Public Schools for 28 years, concluding her work there as a guidance counselor at Gra-Mar Elementary School.

A lifetime Association member and activist, Woodall was president of the Metro Nashville Education Association in 1987-88. She was elected to the TEA Board of Directors and served in that position from 1988 to 1991. From 1992 until her election to the TEA presidency in 1994, she served Tennessee teachers as TEA vice president.

As TEA president, Woodall initiated the idea that Tennessee should "celebrate the success" of public schools and made that the theme of her presidency.

She played a major role in helping pass legislation that guaranteed safer schools in Tennessee and in gaining legislation which no longer required teachers to perform medical procedures on students with special needs. She lobbied successfully for a reduction in class sizes while MNEA president and, as TEA president, for funding to reduce class sizes statewide.​

Woodall was a strong-willed, no-nonsense professional woman whose voice and demeanor commanded respect for her and the teachers she represented. A caring, compassionate person, she loved the children with whom she worked and, most especially, her family.​

In her eulogy, a close friend said, "Though Kathy was a teacher first and always, she will be remembered for her strong teacher leadership in Nashville and Tennessee. She enjoyed going head-to-head for teachers and taking on anyone who dared not to believe in public schools or public school educators."​

Individuals or organizations wishing to make tax deductible contributions to the Sahli-Woodall Scholarship Fund can request more information or send checks to

Sahli-Woodall Scholarship Fund
Tennessee Education Association
801 Second Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201-1099
615.242.8392 or 1.800.342.8367

Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic excellence, demonstrated leadership abilities, economic need, and a demonstrated interest in becoming a teacher. The application deadline is March 1st, but applications are accepted throughout the year.

Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) 

• One $2,000 scholarship awarded to the president of the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA)
• One $1,500 scholarship awarded to an STEA member
• Two $750 scholarships awarded to STEA members 
   

Sons and Daughters 

• One $1,000 scholarship to a TEA member's child who is a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student planning to major in education 

Future Teachers of America/Educators Rising 

• One $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior planning to major in education

Johnella Martin Memorial 

• One $1,000 scholarship to a minority high school student planning to major in education 

Education Support Professional (ESP) 

• One $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a currently employed Education Support Professional (ESP) who is an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a Tennessee college or university and who is preparing to become a teacher. 

Al Mance Memorial 

• One $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a to a male ethnic minority undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in a Tennessee college or university and who is preparing to become a teacher.

Graduate 

• One $1,000 scholarship to a graduate student

Learn More About Scholarships and Apply Here 

About the Program

The Distinguished Educator Awards, a TEA tradition since 1982, honors public education professionals who inspire students, parents, colleagues, and the community through their talents, leadership, and community service.

Award Eligibility 

All nominees must be members of the Tennessee Education Association who have not previously received an award in the category for which they are nominated. Awards will be presented to educators who demonstrate qualities that distinguish themselves within the education profession as demonstrated through the online application process.

Application Procedure

Applications may be submitted on behalf of a member by a local association, an individual member, a parent, or a student. Applications must be submitted no later than April 30.

Local associations are encouraged to conduct award competition at the building and/or local level.  The visibility of local applicants and the finalist could be promoted through cooperation with civic groups, an awards luncheon/banquet, media publicity, etc.  A suggested time for special recognition is in conjunction with National Teacher Appreciation Day (first Tuesday of May each year).

The awards shall be presented at the TEA Teaching and Learning Symposium. TEA will notify recipients of their selection. Each award recipient shall receive a displayable item (e.g., trophy, paperweight, plaque, etc.) and will receive complimentary registration to the TEA Teaching and Learning Symposium.

Award Categories and Distribution

• Distinguished New Teacher (All Grades) — Nominees must be within their first five (5) years of teaching.
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with less than 100 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 101-180 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 181-450 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 451-999 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 1,000+ members)
• Distinguished Classroom Teacher — Nominees must spend the majority of their day in direct instruction of students.
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with less than 100 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 101-180 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 181-450 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 451-999 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 1,000+ members)
• Distinguished Education Support Professional — Nominees must be employed by a public school/district in an assignment that does not require a teaching license (e.g., educational aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, secretaries, bookkeepers, school nurses, technology, maintenance, custodians, etc.).
  • Two Statewide Awards 
• Distinguished Administrator — Nominees must spend the majority of their day in supervisory duties (e.g., principals, directors of schools, central office staff who supervise teachers/administrators, etc.).
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with less than 100 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 101-180 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 181-450 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 451-999 members)
  • One Statewide Award (Local associations with 1,000+ members)
• Distinguished Higher Education Faculty Member — Nominees must work for a public institution for higher learning (post-secondary) in any department.
  • One Statewide Award 

Explore the Distinguished Educator Awards and Apply Here 

Congratulations to the 2023 TEA Distinguished Educator Award Winners!

View the List of Winners Here 

The E. Harper Johnson Human Relations Awards shall be presented in two categories, one to a member and one to a layperson, who have shown leadership in community relations. The TEA Local Association Human Relations Awards shall be presented to an affiliated local association that has developed and carried out an outstanding human relations program for the current year.

Human Relations Award Criteria for an Educator or Layperson

Criteria 

Any educator or layperson in any community who has contributed outstanding leadership in the advancement of intergroup and interpersonal understanding is eligible.

The individual selected shall have demonstrated a concern for and have actively worked with various groups. The activities may have involved different cultures, subcultures, social, racial, and/or religious groups.

Activities of the nominee must be of a continuing nature.

The award may be made for activities of the nominee on the local, state, national or international level.

The award is not limited to UEP members; however, if the nominee is presently an educator, he or she must be a member of the United Education Profession (UEP).

Procedures for Nomination
The Racial and Social Justice Committee of the local association shall get permission to sponsor the award from the appropriate local governing body.

All local association members shall have the opportunity to submit names of nominees for the award.  Those associations presenting a nominee for the E. Harper Johnson Award shall

• Submit all entries in portfolio form. The portfolio should be organized following the format below.
  • Introduction with rationale for recommendation
  • Length of time candidate has been involved in human relations activities
  • Activities (examples: student activities, parent, community, teacher, administrator, other activities). Activities should include need, description, impact and documentation.
• Send documentary evidence, such as news articles, testimonials from persons who know the individual (limit 10), a listing of any previous awards or recognition from organizations or associations which substantiate the person's active, continuous pursuit in this area. Multimedia documentation should not exceed five (5) minutes in length.
• Include a photograph of the nominee. 
• Postmark all nominations and supporting materials for shipment on or before February 2. All entries must be sent to
  • TEA Racial and Social Justice Committee 
    Tennessee Education Association 
    801 Second Avenue North 
    Nashville, TN 37201 

The TEA Racial and Social Justice Committee will examine the data of the nominees submitted and submit selected nominees to the TEA Board of Directors for final approval of the awards. The awards will be presented at the TEA Representative Assembly.
Criteria used in judging nominees for TEA E. Harper Johnson Human Relations Awards for an educator and a layperson:

Content of Activities                    40%
Effectiveness of Activities            40%
Display of Materials                    20%

The TEA Local Association Human Relations Award 

The TEA Local Association Human Relations Award is presented to the local association that develops and carries out an outstanding, continuing human relations program.

Eligibility
The award is open to all local associations that have a social justice committee registered with the Tennessee Education Association.

Procedures For Nomination
Every association that submits a nomination for the TEA Local Association Human Relations Award shall present the following information:

• Association activities undertaken to achieve the established goals.
• The materials may be in writing, printed, or typewritten. All written and printed material must be submitted in a portfolio with durable binding. In the event that audiovisual materials have been part of the human relations program, these materials are welcome and should be submitted with the descriptive materials.
• Newspaper clippings, testimonial letters from individuals or businesses (limit 10) and similar materials should be used to support your nomination.
• Postmark all nominations and supporting materials for shipment on or before February 2. All entries must be sent to
  • TEA Racial and Social Justice Committee 
    Tennessee Education Association 
    801 Second Avenue North
    Nashville, TN 37201

Winners will be notified and the presentation of the award will be made to the association at the TEA Representative Assembly. 

Criteria for judging a local association for the TEA Human Relations Award:

Content of Activities                    50%
Effectiveness of Activities            30%
Display of Materials                   20%

Definition of Terms
Content of Activities and Programs:
The entry should show materials that point up to the involvement of an individual or an association in human relations programs and activities on a continuing basis.
Effectiveness of Activities and Programs:
This covers the outcome, results, or impact of the individuals' or association's activities.
Display of Materials:
      a)   Artistic effect
      b)   Neatness
      c)   All entries must be submitted in scrapbook form.

The Susan B. Anthony Award for leadership in women's issues is presented to a person who has been active in the field of women's rights and/or has furthered the achievement of equal opportunity for women and girls.

• Achievement of equal educational opportunity
• Improvement of the economic situation of female teachers
• Development of programs to assist women of different races in forming work coalitions and sharing resources
• Promotion of the passage of legislation designed to eliminate sex role stereotyping in schools, the curriculum and the nation
• Publication of research concerning women in education
• Promotion of awareness of women's issues
• Serves as a role model and/or mentor for women and/or girls

A member of the Tennessee Education Association or a lay person may be nominated by a local association or an individual. Educators who are not members of the TEA are not eligible.

The nomination deadline is February 2nd, and the award is presented at the annual TEA Representative Assembly.

Susan B. Anthony worked tirelessly throughout her life to gain rights women of today take as their due; rights such as control over a woman's own wages, estate and child custody rights, and the right to vote. Her efforts to have women recognized as potential leaders led her all across the United States and Europe, often subjected to ridicule and threats of imprisonment; but in the end, her goals were achieved. In addition to achieving suffrage for women, she and fellow author Elizabeth Cady Stanton published the History of Woman Suffrage, a six-volume composition of personal recollections, letters, transcripts and newspaper reports on all aspects of the struggle for women's rights.

The Racial and Social Justice Committee is proud to have as a role model this well-known advocate of women's issues.

Learn More About the Susan B. Anthony Award and How to Apply Here 

The Friend of Education Award is presented to an outstanding individual and an organization from a list of nominees submitted by our local associations throughout the state. The TEA Board of Directors created the Friend of Education Award as an annual recognition of a person and an organization whose leadership, acts, and support have contributed significantly to the improvement of public education on a local or state level.

A nominee should reflect philosophies and principles supportive of a strong, high quality system of public education. Nominations submitted for the Friend of Education Award will be evaluated on the basis of award criteria, leadership, acts, and support of public education that establishes the nominee as a true friend of public education. Individuals and organizations will be judged separately. Any TEA affiliate may recommend a candidate by completing a nomination form.

An award will be presented in both categories and is presented at the TEA Representative Assembly annually. Deadline for nominations is February 2.

Learn More About the Friend of Education Award and How to Apply Here