• They have a sustained record as outstanding teachers, as attested to by students and faculty peers. They have exhibited educational innovation in the classroom and the extension of educational opportunities to an ever-wider group of students in educational leadership/administration programs.
• They are outstanding advisors and mentors of students as evidenced by mentoring students in research projects that address the needs of K-12 educational systems. They play a key role in the advancement of students into leadership positions in PK-12 systems. In summary, they promote and support the academic, career goals, and placement of students into educational administration programs.
• They have taken a leadership role in their academic unit, as administrators and/or leaders in educational endeavors. They have gained a regional and national reputation, as an educational leader and innovator. They have accomplished this through participation in regional and national activities as well as in publications in appropriate journals that have impacted the practice of educational leadership/administration in PK-12 systems.
• They have provided outstanding leadership in promoting and supporting diversity in faculty, students, staff, programs, and curriculum in the field of educational leadership/administration.
• They have provided outstanding public service through participation in public or private agencies, or both bodies that contribute to PK-16 partnerships and to improving the quality of PK-16 education throughout state, national, or international arenas.

Nomination Process

Nominations are welcome from any faculty member(s) of UCEA institutions and educational leaders/administrators from PK-12 educational systems. Nominations should include the candidate’s curriculum vitae, a letter addressing the contributions of the nominee relative to the characteristics of no more than five pages, and at least five references from academic and public school systems.

A committee under the direction of the UCEA Executive Committee will review and evaluate the nominees.

After thorough evaluation, the committee will select the recipient.

The Recognition

The individuals selected as UCEA Master Professors will be recognized for their contributions to the field during a General Session at the Annual UCEA Convention.

The individuals selected as UCEA Master Professors will receive a specially designed award.

Role of UCEA Master Professors

• UCEA Master Professors constitute distinguished academics whose leadership, critical thinking, and advice help guide faculty and program initiatives of the UCEA.
• UCEA Master Professors will be asked to help UCEA to address important needs, such as improving academic quality, promoting outstanding teaching, research, service, or other issues of concern to the UCEA.
• UCEA Master Professors will be asked to serve on future review committees for this award and other appropriate UCEA committees or advising groups.

• the candidate’s curriculum vitae;
• a letter addressing the contributions of the nominee relative to one or more of the selection criteria;
• support letters from individuals who have been directly mentored by the nominee, and/or individuals who can attest to the nominee’s mentoring strengths, are strongly encouraged.