Become the Next Bonnie Campbell Hill National Literacy Leader Award-Winner

By Mary Ellen Oslick, Bonnie Campbell Hill Award Committee Chair

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, recognizing and supporting teachers who champion literacy is crucial. The Bonnie Campbell Hill National Literacy Leader Award does just that—empowering passionate educators dedicated to advancing literacy instruction and fostering lifelong readers and writers. This award honors the legacy of Dr. Bonnie Campbell Hill, a renowned literacy leader and advocate by providing funding of $2,500 (plus a $150 Heinneman grant) for teachers to pursue professional learning that enriches their classrooms and communities.

The Intent of the Award

The BCH award is designed to support outstanding literacy educators who seek to grow professionally, collaborate with peers, and implement innovative literacy practices. It grants recipients funding to engage in professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences like NCTE, participating in literacy initiatives, or conducting research that directly impacts teaching and learning. The goal is to sustain a cycle of learning where educators refine their pedagogical approaches and bring evidence-based strategies back to their students.

Connecting to Pedagogical and Research Ideas

The foundation of this award aligns with current pedagogical and research-driven approaches to literacy education. It supports teachers in exploring:

• Mentorship and Coaching: Recognizing the power of teacher mentorship, recipients often use their funding to engage in collaborative learning communities and professional networks.
  
• Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Literacy Instruction: Encouraging teachers to integrate diverse texts and responsive teaching strategies to reflect the lived experiences of all learners.
  
• Inquiry-Based Learning and Assessment: Providing teachers with resources to study and implement authentic, student-centered literacy practices that prioritize meaning-making and critical thinking.
  
• Classroom-Based Research: Many awardees conduct action research, testing innovative strategies to improve reading and writing instruction while contributing to the broader field of literacy education.
  

Why Educators Should Apply

This award is more than just financial support; it is an opportunity to reinvest in the profession. Whether an educator seeks to present at a national conference, attend an immersive workshop, or develop a local teacher study group, the BCH Award provides the means to elevate their practice and, ultimately, improve student learning outcomes.

If you are a literacy educator dedicated to professional growth and collaboration, consider applying. By doing so, you honor the spirit of Dr. Bonnie Campbell Hill’s legacy—one that celebrates the power of teachers as leaders, learners, and changemakers in literacy education.

Be creative as you plan your proposal but please be mindful of the award requirements as you prepare your application. The professional development plan should address key elements that are listed in the award rubric, outlining why you would be a strong candidate for these monies and your vision for how this support would allow you to improve and enhance teaching and learning for students and/or teachers.

Submission of all application materials is required no later than August 11, 2025. The BCH National Literacy Leader Award application is available on the Bonnie Campbell Hill Award page on the CLA website.

If you're unsure whether you and your ideas are award-worthy, please see the prior BCH Award recipients and learn about their proposals.

Learn more about the award

Visit the Bonnie Campbell Hill Award page on the CLA website.

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Access the award application

2025 Bonnie Campbell Hill Award Application

Questions? Feel free to contact Mary Ellen Oslick at [email protected]
Where to submit? Send your proposal to Mary Ellen Oslick at [email protected].
Remember, applications are due by August 11th, 2025.

Mary Ellen Oslick is the chair of the BCH National Literacy Award Committee and associate professor, Stetson University.