The Hans C. Olsen Award for the Distinguished Teacher Educator has been established by the Association of Teacher Educators to select and honor those individuals whose contributions to the  preparation of teachers is worthy of special recognition. 

To be eligible for the award, a person must have fulfilled one or more of the teacher educator areas mentioned in the award criteria mentioned below.  Normally, one qualified candidate may be selected, but never more than two.

Hans C. Olsen Memorial Fund was established in 2012, by estate of Hans C. Olsen, who served as ATE President in 1973-74. Hans was given ATE Distinguished Member recognition, was charter member of LFTE and provided many years of leadership and service to LFTE as Chairperson.  Hans was Professor of Education at Houston and well known to ATE members for his counsel and encouraging participation in leadership positions.

Award Criteria

• Member of ATE for at least ten years.
• Nominated to the Selection Panel by ATE members in good standing.
• Primary responsibilities located  in a college, university, government education agency, or broad-reaching councils or boards dedicated to the improvement of teaching.
• Functions primarily as teacher of pre-service, in-service, and/or graduate students; or functions as a program developer, researcher, or administrator of teacher education.

Standards

1. Models professional teaching practices which demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes reflecting best practice. 
2. Inquires into and contributes to one or more areas of scholarly activity that are related to teaching, learning and /or teacher education.
3. Systematically inquires into and reflects on personal practice and demonstrates commitment to lifelong professional development.
4. Provides leadership in developing, implementing and evaluating programs for educating teachers that embrace diversity, are rigorous, relevant, and grounded in best practice.
5. Collaborates regularly with school, university, state education department, professional associations, and community representatives to improve teaching, learning and teacher education.
6. Serves as an informed and critically positive advocate for high quality education for every student, public understanding of educational issues, and excellence in teaching and the preparation of teachers. 
   
7. Contributes to improving the education profession, particularly through ATE.

Nomination and Selection Process

• Nomination packet cover sheet to include: name, phone and email address, name and address of employer, job title with responsibilities noted. 
• Candidates are required to respond to each of the seven standards. 
• Evidence may include, but is not limited to: professional resume, letters of support from state ATE unit, colleagues and students; course evaluations; a statement reflecting applicant’s philosophy of teacher education as it relates to professional goals and accomplishments; presentations, publications and participation in the design and development of innovative practices or programs.  
• Applicants will be assessed by their ability to meet the standards of a distinguished teacher educator.  
• Packet format: The entire packet is limited to 30 pages. Deadline for submission is July 25. 
• Questions, nominations, and instructions for transmitting packets may be submitted to David Byrd, Chair.
  
• An acknowledgment and preliminary instructions to the nominee will follow.
• Recipient will be honored during the ATE Annual Meeting in February.