Background
This NAPDS award recognizes an individual who is exemplary in meeting Essential 8 where the individual moves beyond the responsibilities of one’s job to impact a third space. Boundary spanners are situated in a “third space”  between university and PK12 settings and are not bound solely by the traditions or responsibilities of any one institution.  An exemplary PK20 boundary spanner innovates the systems or practices to enhance the learning of all of those involved in the partnership.

Eligibility
In order for a candidate to be considered eligible for this award, they must:

• Be either a boundary-spanning university-based educator or PK12 school-based educator within a mutually beneficial partnership program
• Be a member of NAPDS at the time of the Annual Conference 
• Attend the annual conference during the year nominated  
• Receive a nomination from a member of NAPDS

Criteria
Promoting exemplary practice through demonstrated leadership and impact. Candidates will be considered in light of their contributions in one or more areas, including:

• Contributions to developing and enacting aspects of the NAPDS 9 essentials within and/or beyond their organizations
• Collaborative nature of the work benefits both the university and PK12 school through continuous improvement and connections to theory and practice
• Deconstructing traditional power relationships through the support of and dialogue across contexts; work to understand roles and responsibilities across boundaries and relate to others across those boundaries
• Engaging in practices to understand and interpret differing perspectives that lead to the creation and/or maintenance of mutually beneficial school-university partnerships

Nominations
The nomination must demonstrate how the recipient is worthy of being named exemplary boundary spanner. A single nomination letter, no longer than 3 single-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins is required.   One supporting letter addressing the criteria for the award, may be submitted in addition to the nomination letter.  A copy of the nominee’s resume or vita may also be included. Please note: Nomination letter and supporting letter must be from two different individuals. 

Nominators are encouraged to inform the nominee so that the nominee can provide any information that will assist in providing the nomination.

Selection Process

1. NAPDS members may nominate candidates by letter or email to the Awards Committee using this link.
2. All nominations and supporting materials must be submitted electronically to the NAPDS Awards committee no later than January 9, 2023.
3. A sub-committee of the Awards Committee will review nominations using a simple rubric based on the eligibility conditions and criteria detailed above.
4. The winner(s) will be announced at the awards ceremony of the conference and publicized by press release to the honoree’s home institution and via the NAPDS publications and website.