2022 - Freda Battey Distinguished Educator Award

The family of Freda Drath Battey, a 1923 UNL Teachers College graduate and former public school teacher in Ashland, Nebraska, established a “Distinguished Educator Award" in her memory. The award was established in 1986 by Joan and Charles W. Battey of Shawnee Mission, Kansas and Marian (Battey) and Harold W. Andersen of Omaha, Nebraska to commemorate the life and career of their mother and mother-in-law. 

Candidates for this award are nominated by students in the College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The criteria for the award is “excellence in teaching coupled with recognition in other complementary education activities, such as counseling of students or initiation of student-oriented programs.” In reviewing files, the selection committee will look for evidence of teaching excellence, efforts to continue to grow as a teacher, commitment to students, and engagement with students outside the classroom.  

After we have received a nomination, we will write to the teacher and his/her principal asking for more information. The recipient will be selected by a committee composed of College of Education and Human  Sciences faculty and students, and will be honored at a future luncheon. The student nominator of the winning teacher will also be invited to the luncheon. The recipient will receive an inscribed school bell and a check for $6,000, and her/his school will receive $3,000.00.

Why should this person be recognized as an outstanding teacher? Please write a paragraph or two and include the following information.

• What is it about this educator’s teaching and other educational activities that is outstanding?
• Provide some specific examples. Tell a story that illustrates why you respect this educator.
• Explain how you know this educator is committed to students. What does s/he do that
  demonstrates this commitment?
• In what ways does this educator engage with students outside the classroom?