Deadline

December 15, 2026

Past winners

View past winners list

The JEA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to retirees for lifetime dedication to journalism education in the form of advising or other contributions to the profession.

Entry Criteria

Nominees can be either in their final year of teaching, set to retire that spring and/or already retired.

Scholastic press associations and individuals who are current JEA members are encouraged to nominate retirees in their state.

The nominator must be a current JEA member.

How to Apply

The online nomination application will be available on Submittable on or around Oct. 15 each year. Nominations are due by Dec. 15. 

Award Recognition

Multiple awards may be presented each year. Recipients will be honored at the Spring JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention adviser award luncheon. Recipients will receive one complimentary ticket to the luncheon.

More Awards

Broadcast Adviser of the Year

Deadline: May 15, 2027
The Broadcast Adviser of the Year program is designed to honor outstanding secondary advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year, as well as throughout their careers.
Learn More

Administrator of the Year

Deadline: July 15, 2027
This award is given to administrators who have demonstrated support and dedication to journalism education. JEA members are encouraged to nominate worthy administrators. Support of student press rights is of particular value.
Learn More

Carl Towley Award

Deadline: July 15, 2027
The Carl Towley Award is JEA’s highest honor and is presented to a JEA member whose work is unusually beneficial and of superior value to the national JEA and to scholastic journalism.
Learn More