PURPOSE
The Vermont-NEA members created the Martha W. Allen Friend of Education Award as an annual recognition of a person, organization or group whose leadership, acts, and support have contributed to the improvement of education on a state level.
QUALIFICATIONS
A duly nominated individual, organization or group shall have significantly contributed to the advancement of public education through exhibited leadership, acts, and support of education on a statewide level; that establish the nominee as a true friend of education, education employees, and/or students. A nominee need not be an American citizen but should reflect philosophies and principles that advance Vermont-NEA’s mission and strategic goals.
NOMINATIONS
Any member of Vermont-NEA or any local association may nominate an individual, organization or group to the Vermont-NEA Political Education Action Committee Steering Committee by completing a nomination form and submitting it to the Vermont-NEA by February 15th, 2023. Each nomination must be signed and submitted by a Vermont-NEA member.
SELECTION OF RECIPIENT
The Vermont-NEA Political Education Action Committee Steering Committee, will review each duly submitted nomination and recommend a recipient to the Vermont-NEA Board of Directors for approval.
PRESENTATION
Presentation of the Martha W. Allen Friend of Education Award is presented at annual Representative Assembly. The presentation is made to the award recipient by the Vermont-NEA President.
NOMINATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Deadline for 2026 award submissions is TBD.
Recent Friend of Public Education Award Recipients
2025: US Representative Becca Balint