University of Wisconsin–Madison

Teacher Education Alumni Awards

Do you know an outstanding teacher, administrator, or other K-12 school professional? Someone whose lifelong dedication to public service reflects the ideals of the School of Education? If that person is a UW–Madison School of Education graduate in elementary education, consider nominating them for a special alumni award.

Lois Gadd Nemec Elementary Education Alumni Award

  • The Nemec Award recognizes graduates for their outstanding skills and commitment to their local educational communities.
  • The nominee must have received a degree in elementary education from the UW–Madison School of Education.

Questions?

Contact Tom Owenby at owenby@wisc.edu.

Nominations for these awards are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

Award criteria, eligibility, nominating instructions

Criteria & Eligibility

The Nemec award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated commitment and distinguished service as classroom teachers, administrators, or other K-12 school professionals. Current faculty and staff of UW–Madison are not eligible to receive alumni awards.

Awards Selection & Recognition

Selections for the Nemec award are made by a School of Education award committee. Awardees will receive an inscribed plaque and an award stipend.

Submitting a Nomination

Nomination packets for the award should include the following:

  • Nomination statement
  • Candidate’s résumé or CV
  • Letter(s) of support (minimum of 1; maximum of 3)

Submit nominations in ​one of the following ways:

Lois Gadd Nemec Elementary Education Alumni Award recipients

2025  Dr. Jennie D. Diaz

2024  Andreal Davis

2023  Mary Klehr