2008 NEA’s Read Across America Awards

How to Apply

All entries should include either the RAA state application form or the RAA local application form, and should include the following information in this order:

• Division (either state or local)
• Name of category/categories (include category number and description.) See list below.
• School or organization's name and contact information
• NEA local affiliate
• Date of application
• Name of individual submitting award entry and his/her contact information. (Awards are for NEA members only with the exception of the Community Organizer award.)
• Description and highlights of your event or activities. Please be sure to include the number of students and indicate their age/grade level. Provide other information that relates to the category you are entering. (For example, if you are entering the "largest" category, be sure to provide number of students participating and include photos that support your entry.)
• Please include digital photos, DVDs, videos, and other supporting documentation. Please note: NEA cannot accept an individual email larger than 2 MB. Please submit your digital photos in JPG format. You are encouraged to send additional digital photos by mailing a CD along with a copy of your entry summary to the address below.

Entry format

Please email your entry with attached digital photos to: readacross@nea.org, fax to 202-822-7292, or mail a CD and/or hard copy to: Read Across America Awards, c/o NEA Public Relations, 1201 16th Street N.W., Washington, DC  20036. Deadline is April 14, 2008.

Judging

Judging will be by the Read Across America Advisory Committee and will take place during their May meeting. Winners will be recognized at the July NEA Representative Assembly and announced through a special June e-newsletter. Select digital photos will be posted to nea.org and provided to finalists’ state affiliate PR staff.

2008 Read Across America Award Entry Categories

Category #1    Funniest event or activity
Category #2    Largest event or activity
Category #3    Most students participating
Category #4    Best ongoing (more than one day) Read Across activities/events
Category #5    Most unique or interesting event
Category #6    Best celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday/Read Across America Day
Category #7    Best K/pre-K event or activity
Category #8    Best elementary school age event or activity
Category #9    Best middle school event or activity
Category #10  Best high school event or activity
Category #11  Best ESP member planned event
Category #12  Best NEA Student member planned event
Category #13  Best NEA Retired member planned event
Category #14  Best local association sponsored/planned event/activity
Category #15  Best state affiliate sponsored/planned event/activity
Category #16  Best national event
Category #17  Most community leaders involved (please note number)
Category #18  Most parents involved/participating
Category #19  Best multicultural event or activity
Category #20  Best bilingual/Spanish activity or event
Category #21  Best event/activity theme and materials
Category #22  Best use of NEA materials
Category #23  Best event or activity by an NEA national partner
Category #24  Best partnership/cosponsored event or activity  
Category #25  Best local business supported event/activity
Category #26  Read Across America individual "champion"
Category #27  Best community member (parent/public library librarian/community
organizer) sponsored/organized event
Category #28  Best print media coverage
Category #29  Best broadcast media coverage
Category #30  Best media coverage in general
Category #31  Best “Books Across America” fundraiser