The Distinguished Educator in Physical Therapy Award is to be given to recognize excellence in teaching.

Criteria for the receipt of the award include.

1. Each recipient will be a Section member who is currently engaged in physical therapy education.
2. Each recipient will have distinguished himself or herself through excellence in academic or clinical education in physical therapy at the national, regional, or local level.
3. Each recipient will have distinguished himself or herself in a subject matter area as evidenced by publications or other appropriate demonstrations.
4. Each recipient will have extended education by developing innovative teaching methodologies or materials.
When more than one individual has been involved in a cooperative activity or project that demonstrates excellence in teaching, a joint nomination of all individuals who meet the criteria may be made.
Individuals who are current members of the Education Section Board of Directors, the APTA Board of Directors, or APTA Staff are not eligible for the award and may not participate in the nomination process.

Nomination Procedure:

1. Four copies of the nomination packet must be received in the Education Section office by December 1.

Mail to:

Education Section
1111 N. Fairfax St.
Alexandria VA 22314.

2. Nomination packets must be in writing and shall include:

a. Written nomination letter addressing the characteristics that distinguish the nominee or nominees. The letter should carefully document the ways in which the nominee(s) fulfill(s) the criteria noted above.
b. A formal resume or curriculum vitae of the each nominee which includes biographical information pertaining to major professional activities and accomplishments of each nominee.
c. Three support letters from Association members, at least two of which are from Education Section members. These letters should support the nomination letter by providing a personal account of the teaching activities that distinguish the nominee(s).

Any additional materials that accompany the nomination will not be forwarded to the Awards Committee.

* Please note that this award does not have to be given annually. Nominees not selected for the award will not automatically be considered in successive years.

Download Award Descriptions & Applications