The University of West Alabama’s Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education is currently accepting nominations and applications for awards recognizing achievement among the region’s most outstanding educators. Submissions for the prestigious honors will be received through April 1.

The “Tutwiler Educator of the Year” awards, named for the institution’s first president, Julia S. Tutwiler, will honor excellence in education by identifying outstanding educators in the areas of Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Secondary Education fields, Counseling, Library Media and Instructional Leadership. The award is open to any educator in these fields whose major responsibility is to work with children in a P-12 setting.

With the honor comes a $500 cash award; $250 for the purchase of classroom supplies and professional development; a plaque; and recognition at an annual luncheon.

The selection committee will be appointed by the dean of the college and will consist of a pair of representatives from University faculty, regional principals, teachers and community representatives who will score each nominee’s credentials.

The committee will review each applicant with consideration given to his or her educational history, professional development activities, community involvement and letters of recommendation provided from colleagues.

Recipients of the Tutwiler Educator of the Year awards will be recognized on May 1 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UWA’s Bell Conference Center.

For more information on the Tutwiler Educator of the Year awards visit www.uwa.edu/tutwileraward.aspx or contact Celeste Wheat AT educatorawards@uwa.edu or call (205) 652-5418.