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Awards & Recognition
Educator & Alum Awards
NAEA strives to empower alternative educators to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Our mission is to advocate for equitable access to innovative educational practices.
Excellence in Education
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service to youth in alternative/non-traditional education.
Alumni Award
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated significant
personal and professional growth since graduating from a non-traditional or alternative school.
Outstanding Educator
On October 6, 2025, Shannon Ellis received the Excellence in
Alternative Education Award from the National Alternative
Education Association at their annual conference held in New Orleans, LA.
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated
exemplary service to youth in alternative/non-traditional education. The recipient of this award is an advocate for students in alternative/non- traditional schools and believes that students in alternative settings have the same aptitudes and abilities as students in traditional settings.
NAEA strives to empower alternative educators to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Our mission is to advocate for equitable access to innovative educational practices. The NAEA has empowered alternative educators through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative
educational practices since 2002.
Outstanding Alum
On October 6, 2025, Angel Cummings and Julio Bermudez received the Alumni Award from the National Alternative Education Association (NAEA) at their annual conference held in New Orleans, LA.
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated significant personal and professional growth since graduating from a non/traditional or alternative school. Additionally, the recipient serves as a role model for current students in their local community.
The Alumni Award recipient champions the value of perseverance, innovation, and success in their chosen career path while representing the impact and importance of alternative education by fostering future leaders.
Nominate an Outstanding Educator
Know a current educator or alum that deserves some recognition?
Nominations will open Spring 2026.
