The Linda S. Puntney Teacher Inspiration Award recognizes a teacher who, through the teaching and/or advising of journalism, inspired others to pursue journalism teaching as a career and who has made a positive difference in the teaching community.
The award was named after Linda S. Puntney, JEA’s executive director from 1989-2010.
Entry Criteria
The nomination must come from a teacher who is a current JEA member and who advises a publication or broadcast program, teaches journalism classes or is retired after having spent at least 10 years in scholastic journalism.
Retired journalism teachers and advisers, along with those currently teaching or advising may be nominated.
Nominators may renominate previous candidates for consideration, as long as they have not previously won this award. To do so, please submit a new application, ensuring all information is updated.
How to Apply
The nominator should submit:
- A narrative of at least 500 words explaining how the teacher being nominated inspired the person making the nomination to pursue a career in teaching/advising scholastic journalism
- Up to three additional letters of support (optional)
The online nomination application will be available on Submittable on or around Oct. 15 each year. Nominations are due by Dec. 15.Â
Judging Criteria
This is a juried award. Entries are evaluated by a national panel of journalism educators consisting of members of the JEA Awards Committee or individual designated by the JEA Awards Committee chair.
Award Recognition
The winner will be formally recognized at the Spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention adviser award luncheon, where they will also be invited to speak. The winner will receive two complimentary tickets to the luncheon, one for themselves and one for a guest.
Honorable mentions may be given.