Call For Nominations: MTA and NEA Foundation Annual Awards

2027 MTA Friend of Labor and Friend of Education Awards

Each year, the MTA honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the labor movement and public education in the Commonwealth by presenting the MTA Friend of Labor and MTA Friend of Education awards.

The policy/guidelines establish the purpose of the Friend of Labor Award as follows:

• To acknowledge specific and general contributions to the working people of the Commonwealth.
• To publicize these accomplishments to members of the labor community and to the general public.
• To thank the designated individual for their time, effort and skill in bringing about those accomplishments.

The policy/guidelines establish the purpose of the Friend of Education Award as follows:

• To acknowledge specific and general contributions to the educators and students of the Commonwealth.
• To publicize these accomplishments to members of the educational community and to the general public.
• To thank the designated individual for their time, effort and skill in bringing about those accomplishments.

To nominate someone to be considered for the Friend of Labor or the Friend of Education awards, please include the following information:

• The name, mailing address, email address and title, if applicable, of the nominee and the award sought for them.
• A statement to support the nomination that summarizes the nature of the accomplishments and contributions of the individual to education and educators (for the Friend of Education Award), and working people and the labor community (for Friend of Labor Award).
• Your name, email address, local association, mailing address and phone number.

Please send your nomination to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027.

2027 Human and Civil Rights Awards

The MTA Human Relations Committee is soliciting nominations for the 2027 MTA Human and Civil Rights Awards, which honor individuals and groups for showing extraordinary dedication to civil rights and human relations.

The awards will be presented at the Human and Civil Rights Awards celebration during Summer Conference 2027. The location and date will be posted at massteacher.org/hcr when they become available.

Nominations are due by April 30, 2027. Forms will be available at massteacher.org/hcr in January 2027.

For further information, please email Jennifer Freeling, director of the Division of Governance and Administration, or Eileen Pitts, governance assistant, at [email protected]. 

2028 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence

Nominations are open for the 2028 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. All current members of an NEA local affiliate or bargaining unit are eligible, including teachers, Education Support Professionals and higher education faculty and staff.

The MTA Executive Committee will choose the MTA nominee. Awardees are honored each year at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala. Applicants should email [email protected] for information and application materials. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027. 

For more information about the awards, please visit the foundation's website.

2027 MTA ESP of the Year Award

Education Support Professionals are among the most trusted colleagues and educators in a building. They hold positions in preK-12 and higher education that enhance students' educational experience, provide invaluable support and help keep students healthy and safe. Show them your support by nominating a deserving ESP for the 2027 ESP of the Year Award.

Nominations are due by midnight on Dec. 15, 2026.

Please read about the award and requirements at massteacher.org/espoftheyear and nominate someone today!