Each year, the Virginia Middle School Association offers several awards and recognitions for middle-level educators across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Teacher Grant Application
Virginia Middle School Association seeks to support innovative classroom projects for young adolescents in the middle grades.
Eligible teachers must be a VMSA member. Funds will be provided directly to the school for exclusive use for the project described.
Grant recipients are required to present their project at the VMSA 2027 Conference. Registration for the conference will be covered.
Deadline is February 18, 2026.
** This year’s conference is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at James Madison University. **
Master in the Middle Teacher of the Year Award
PURPOSE
VMSA seeks to honor middle level educators who serve in roles other than classroom teachers, and have demonstrated a devotion to working with young adolescents and a commitment to best middle level practices.
CRITERIA
- Enthusiastic about working with middle level students
- Currently a VMSA member
- Serves as an educational leader/role model
- Actively supports a developmentally responsive school climate
- Seeks social equity; access to quality programs for all students
- Models effective middle level practices, such as:
- Using data to meet individual needs of young adolescents
- Facilitating academic excellence for all students
- Providing a safe and healthy environment
- Promoting authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences
- Building relationships with students and families
APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the Google Form below by February 18, 2026. The application materials described below must be submitted in PDF format.
- The nominator should provide the following information:
- Name, address, phone, and email of nominee
- Teaching experience of nominee (schools and number of years taught)
- Name of current school at which nominee teachers
- Name and contact information of nominator
- The nominator should collect two letters of support: one from a professional colleague of the nominee, and one from a current or former student of the nominee. Letters of support should not exceed 500 words.
- The nominee should write a narrative describing an experience that exemplifies his or her contribution to middle level education. The narrative should not exceed 500 words.
RECOGNITION
Recipients of VMSA awards will be announced at the annual VMSA Conference.
** This year’s conference is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at James Madison University. **
*Recipients will also be expected to share their expertise with middle level educators through a VMSA webinar.
Barbara Nichols Educator of the Year Award
PURPOSE
VMSA seeks to honor middle level educators who serve in roles other than classroom teachers, and have demonstrated a devotion to working with young adolescents and a commitment to best middle level practices.
CRITERIA
- Enthusiastic about working with middle level students
- Currently a VMSA member
- Serves as an educational leader / role model
- Actively supports a developmentally responsive school climate
- Seeks social equity; access to quality programs for all students
- Models effective middle level practices, such as:
- Using data to meet individual needs of young adolescents
- Facilitating academic excellence for all students
- Providing a safe and healthy environment
- Promoting authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences
- Building relationships with students and families
APPLICATION PROCESS
Nominators should complete the Google Form below by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
- The nominator should collect two letters of support: one from a professional colleague of the nominee, and one from a current or former student of the nominee. Letters of support should not exceed 500 words.
- The nominee should write a narrative describing an experience that exemplifies his or her contribution to middle level education. The narrative should not exceed 500 words.
RECOGNITION
Recipients of VMSA awards will be announced at the annual VMSA Conference.
** This year’s conference is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at James Madison University. **
*Recipients will also be expected to share their expertise with middle level educators through a VMSA webinar.
