Metro Nashville Public Schools

Blue Ribbon Teacher Designation 

Honoring Excellent Teaching in Nashville's Schools

The Blue Ribbon Teacher award has a storied legacy – one that honors and uplifts the incredible work our teachers do across the district every year. It is a season when our community comes together to celebrate teaching that changes lives and creates futures. 

In collaboration with Nashville Public Education Foundation and community partners, MNPS wants to honor teachers who are accomplishing outstanding things with our students. The focus areas for Blue Ribbon Teacher are intentional.

Our district and its staff are charged with identifying and eliminating the inequities our students face. Likewise, MNPS is committed to ensuring all students are engaged in rigorous, personalized learning experiences. We also believe strongly in empowering and equipping leaders at all levels of the organization.

This year’s Blue Ribbon Teacher program will identify up to 25 extraordinary teachers for their work in equity, instruction, and leadership - awarding each of them a $2,500 prize.  

Award Categories

Excellence in Equity

The Excellence in Equity category recognizes the innovative ways educators support students and eliminate inequities to impact outcomes. Candidates for this category are teachers who excel at culturally relevant pedagogy, cultivate classrooms of belonging, and create avenues for flourishing for all students.

Excellence in Instruction

The Excellence in Instruction category honors educators who design innovative learning experiences and drive outstanding academic outcomes for students. Candidates for this category are creative educators with proven track records of student academic success. They provide rigorous, engaging, and personalized learning experiences for all students.

Excellence in Leadership

The Excellence in Leadership category honors the innovative ways that educators exhibit the behaviors described in the MNPS Teacher Leadership Framework. Candidates for this category are teacher leaders who have supported educator development and student learning in their schools.

Eligibility Requirements

• Full-time MNPS or MNPS charter school teacher for four or more years
• Instructs students 50% or more of the time
• In good professional standing/meets expectations, as confirmed by school leader
• Not a previous Blue Ribbon Teacher Award recipient
• A Level of Effectiveness of at least a 3.0 for the last three consecutive years.
• 2024 Blue Ribbon Teacher Application Guidance

Nomination Options

• Eligible candidates can nominate themselves.
• Nominations can be submitted by peers such as fellow teachers, instructional coaches and administrators on behalf of a candidate.
  
  • Peers who nominate candidates are responsible for completing the essay as well as securing and submitting artifacts on behalf of the candidate.
  • Please read the application guidelines for full details on qualifying peers

Application

Fill out the Application Form online.

Questions?

Please contact the Blue Ribbon Team with questions.