Skip To Main Content

Distinguished New Educator Award

 

Description:
The Distinguished New Educator Awards, coordinated in partnership between SBCEO Teachers Network and the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program, are among the highest honors a new teacher can receive in Santa Barbara County. The awards recognize exceptional instruction, leadership, and potential. Administrators, colleagues, mentors, or others are invited to submit nominations. Three Distinguished New Educator Award winners are selected each year. Nominees should exhibit: 

• Exemplary instructional practice
• Inspiration and effective interaction with students and colleagues
• Innovative teaching methods and/or ability to overcome obstacles
• Ability to engage in a continuous cycle of reflection and instructional improvement

Eligibility:

  • Active, Year 1 or Year 2 candidate in either the SBCEO Teacher Induction Program,  Santa Barbara Unified School District Induction Program, or Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Other induction programs may be eligible, contact our office for details.
  • Planning to teach in Santa Barbara County during the next school year.
  • Previously nominated teachers are eligible.

Distinguished New Educator Award Winners:

  • Will be recognized at the annual A Salute to Teachers event held each fall.
  • May be interviewed and filmed for promotional purposes.
  • May be asked to speak at other events.

The nomination window for this award is now closed. Check back in the 2026-27 school year.

Meet the previous award winners HERE.