AFS-USA Global Awards

The Global Educator Award is intended for education professionals who are making global and intercultural learning an integral part of their work. Eligible educators may include secondary school teachers, administrators, counselors, and instructional coaches who meet the award’s eligibility requirements.

Participation in, and registration for the Global Educator Award is free. No purchase is necessary.

To participate, a nominated educator must:

• Be a current Secondary School Teacher, Administrator, Counselor, or Instructional Coach (“Educator”).
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Currently reside in the U.S.

All award submissions must be in PDF form and follow the page limits.

Nominations must be submitted through the online submission form and include all required materials. Once the nomination has been submitted, nominees will receive a link to submit the required materials for their application.

The following must be submitted to nominate an educator for this award:

• A brief letter explaining reason for nomination including detailed examples of global engagement/competence of the candidate in and out of the school building, the nominee’s current connection to AFS, and the contact information for the person being nominated. (Max. two pages)
• Optional supplemental artifacts such as photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, social media posts, screen captures, etc. (Max. five pages)

• Nominee Curriculum Vitae (CV). (Max. four pages)
• Personal statement (Max. two pages total) What is the nominee’s philosophy on global competence/intercultural learning in the classroom?
• Letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor if possible, or a current or former parent or student that can speak to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the educator as outlined in this rubric. (Max. two pages)
• Lesson plans/building activity plans that incorporate global competence. (Max. three pages)
• Supplemental artifacts such as photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures, etc. (Max. 5 pages)
• Optional professional headshot. (high resolution from the shoulders and above)

Participation in and registration for the AFS-USA Global School Award is free. No purchase is necessary.

In order to participate, nominated schools must:

• Be an accredited secondary school, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Designate a staff member to serve as the main contact for this award, who is at least 21 years of age and currently resides in the U.S. This contact should be able to speak to the school’s work in developing active global citizens and help coordinate an awards ceremony should the school win.

All award submissions must be in PDF form and follow the page limits.

Nominations and applications must be submitted through the online submission form and include all required materials. Once the nomination has been submitted, nominees will receive a link to submit the required materials for their application.

The following must be submitted to nominate a school for this award:

• A brief letter stating why they are nominating this specific school, including specific examples of why this school is a great candidate for the award, the school’s current connection to AFS, and the name and contact information for a school staff member from whom we can gather more information. (Max. two pages)
• Optional supplemental artifacts such as photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc. These artifacts should showcase global learning, experiences, and engagement for students and staff. (Max. five pages)

• A brief letter to share how intercultural learning is integrated into the school’s curriculum and community, and how globally minded professional development opportunities are provided for staff (refer to this rubric on how schools will be evaluated). (Max. two pages)
• A copy of the mission and vision statements for the school/district.
• School/District event plan, summary, or promotional handout that incorporates global competence or multicultural engagement for students, staff, and/or community members.
• Supplemental artifacts that demonstrate the school’s culture, including physical attributes, student activities, student work, special events, etc. These can include photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc. (Max. five pages)
• Optional letter of recommendation from a current or former parent or student who can speak to the global engagement opportunities and/or global themes embedded in the coursework offered at the school as well as their impact on their overall education, as outlined in this rubric. (Max. 2 pages)

2026 – Winton Woods High School, Ohio

2025 – N/A

2024 – Hingham High School, Massachusetts

2023 – Manhattan High School, Kansas

2022 – Oconomowoc High School, Wisconsin

There are two awards: the Global Educator Award, which recognizes an individual educator, and the Global School Award, which recognizes a school or school district.

The award is intended for eligible secondary school educators, including teachers, administrators, counselors, and instructional coaches. Specific eligibility requirements may vary by award cycle.

Yes. Self-nominations are currently permitted for both awards.

The awards recognize a broad range of approaches to global and intercultural learning. Examples include globalized curriculum, culturally responsive learning opportunities, international experiences, community partnerships, global issues education, intercultural activities, and school-wide initiatives that help students develop global competence.

Nominees are asked to provide a letter explaining the rationale for their nomination. Requirements and submission materials are announced with each award cycle.

Eligible submissions are reviewed according to criteria established for each award. Evaluation considers the ways an educator, school, or district demonstrates meaningful and sustained commitment to global and intercultural learning.

Award cycles, nomination deadlines, and application timelines are announced by AFS-USA when nominations open. Check this page for current information about the next award cycle.

Recognition details, including any awards, opportunities, or invitations associated with a particular award cycle, are announced when nominations open.

Previous award recipients are featured above. Their stories provide examples of how educators and schools are incorporating global competence and intercultural learning into their work.

For questions about the awards or future nomination opportunities, please contact AFS-USA.