brighter Futures Teacher Of the year award
The BrightShift Brighter Futures Educator of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding educator who uses uses the BrightShift platform to expand student opportunity and strengthen career readiness. These are the educators who go beyond the lesson plan. This award is our way of saying that work matters, and it deserves to be recognized.
$4,500 Classroom Award
U.S. Educators
Nominations Open January 1
Award Overview
Built to Support the Educators Who Support Students
Educators guide students through CTE pathways are doing some of the most important work in education. They assign exams, track outcomes, and champion credentials that lead directly to careers.
We created the Brighter Futures Educator of the Year Award to recognize that commitment. Each year, one educator receives a $4,500 restricted classroom grant to invest back into the program and students they serve.
Who Is Eligible
Any U.S.-based educator who currently uses BrightShift to administer certification exams, courses, or trainings is eligible. Nominations can be submitted by administrators, supervisors, colleagues, CTE directors, counselors, or industry partners. Self-nominations are accepted.
*Not Eligible: BrightShift employees and their immediate family members are not eligible. Each person may submit one (1) educator nomination per award cycle. Self-nominations count toward that limit.
- U.S.-based educator at a middle school, high school, or post-secondary institution
- Currently administers at least one certification exam, course, or training using the BrightShift platform
- In good standing with their institution
- No purchase required to nominate
- Self-nominations are welcome
Application to award process
nOMINATE
Submit a nomination for any eligible educator, or submit a self-nomination. Nominations are open January 1 through February 28. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
REVIEW
We verify eligibility and student outcomes using BrightShift records. Nominees with strong pass or completion rates move forward to judge review.
sELECTION
Our judges score finalists on student impact, how the award funds would be used, and program leadership. The top nominee is selected as the winner.
AWARD
The winner is notified in April. The $4,500 award is administered through the educator’s school, district, or affiliated education foundation whenever possible.
Submit a Nomination
Nominations are open to any eligible U.S.-based educator currently using BrightShift to administer at least one certification exam, course, or training during the school year. Submissions can be made on behalf of another educator or as a self-nomination.
The nomination takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Submitters will be asked to share a brief impact story, note student outcomes, and describe how the award would be used to support students or the program. Finalists may be asked for brief verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this award?
The BrightShift Brighter Futures Educator of the Year Award is a $4,500 restricted classroom or program award. We recognize one outstanding educator who is using BrightShift to expand student opportunity and outcomes.
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Any U.S.-based educator at a middle school, high school, or post-secondary institution who currently administers at least one certification exam, course, or training using the BrightShift platform. BrightShift employees and their immediate family members are not eligible.
Are self-nominations accepted?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome. Each person may only submit one nomination per award cycle, and a self-nomination counts toward that limit.
When are nominations open?
Nominations open on January 1, 2027 at 12:00 a.m. CT and close on February 28, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
How is the winner selected?
Selection happens in two stages. First, we verify certification test or course exam outcomes using BrightShift records. Finalists are then reviewed and scored by our judges across three areas: student impact story, intended use of award funds, and program leadership. The educator with the highest overall score is selected as the winner.
What can the award funds be used for?
The award is a restricted classroom and program grant. Funds must support the educator’s CTE classroom, program, or professional development. Allowable uses include classroom or lab equipment, software licenses, certification preparation materials, CTE-related training or conferences, and program enhancements that directly support pathway instruction. Funds may not be used for unrelated personal expenses, cash withdrawals, or gift cards.
How is the award paid?
The award is administered through the winner’s school, district, or affiliated education foundation whenever possible. We may also pay approved vendors directly or reimburse approved purchases with receipts if institutional payment is not feasible.
Can the winner announce the award publicly right away?
Winners should wait until BrightShift makes an official public announcement or provides written permission before sharing the news publicly, including on social media.
Is a purchase required to nominate?
No. There is no purchase required to submit a nomination. Nominating an educator is completely free.
Helping Students Earn Industry Credentials
We built BrightShift to help more students graduate with industry-recognized credentials that open doors to real jobs. Our platform supports educators in career-focused programs and beyond, giving students a clear, structured path from the classroom to a career through certification exams, courses, and trainings. We know that none of that happens without dedicated educators behind it. Teachers who push students to show up, prepare, and succeed. The Brighter Futures Educator of the Year Award is our way of recognizing that effort and putting resources directly back into the classrooms and programs making it possible. If there are any questions about the nomination process, eligibility, or award details, our team is happy to help.
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