Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award

Nominations are required to include the following information:

• Four essays (300 words or less, plus up to three optional supporting documents for each area):
  • Leadership (Describe how the nominee demonstrates leadership in successfully meeting the communication needs of their school system or educational service agency. Examples may include leading successful communication campaigns, overcoming an internal communication challenge or creating a robust strategic communication plan. Examples should include data-driven research, planning elements, implementation of strategies and tactics and evaluation measures showing outcomes.)
  • Communication (Describe how the nominee demonstrates their strength in both personal and organizational communication. Examples may include evidence of persuasion, public speaking, the power of engagement or influence in decision making. Examples should include why the nominee’s communication strengths made a positive impact.)
  • Professionalism (Describe how the nominee demonstrates a consistent effort toward increasing their knowledge and skills, providing professional development opportunities or being a mentor to others. Examples may include achieving accreditation in public relations (APR), serving as a mentor or serving as a speaker at the chapter or national level.)
  • CommunityInvolvement (Describe how the nominee demonstrates active participation in their local community and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues. Examples may include going above and beyond their daily work commitments by volunteering in their local community, organizing a fund-raising event for their community or writing an article that demonstrates broad knowledge of the complexities of public education.)
• Nominee’s resume
  
  
• Two letters of recommendation (one must be from the nominee’s supervisor, superintendent, or a school board member)

This is a competitive award, with nominations scored against each other using the criteria below. There is a maximum of 60 points total across the four categories.

Leadership (maximum of 15 points)

• Demonstrates outstanding leadership in meeting the needs of their district by executing impactful communication campaigns, consistently championing the district’s vision and values, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
• Implements communication plans using the RPIE (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) framework or a similar strategic framework.
• Serves as a trusted advisor in their district by playing a key role in managing crises, resolving communication challenges, or guiding leadership through complex issues.

Communication (maximum of 15 points)

• Exhibits strong communication skills, effectively conveying messages that inspire action, build trust, or influence decision-making within the district or community.
• Leads or plays a significant role in major district-wide initiatives with a measurable impact (e.g., major rebranding effort, crisis communication response, enrollment or awareness campaign, ballot initiative, strategic communication overhaul).
• Proactively fosters strong relationships with key publics through clear, responsive, and inclusive communication across multiple channels (e.g., social media, newsletters, website), demonstrating content variety and audience engagement.

Professionalism (maximum of 15 points)

• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth through participation in professional development, pursuit or achievement of APR certification, enrollment in relevant postsecondary programs, and/or completion of other advanced training.
• Advocates for the profession by mentoring others, leading professional learning, and/or serving as a public speaker beyond regular district duties.
• Actively participates in MSPRA and/or NSPRA, either through leadership positions, committee involvement, statewide projects/campaigns, or regular engagement in association events and conversations.

Community Involvement (maximum of 15 points)

• Goes above and beyond daily work commitments to be an active participant in their local community through volunteering, coaching, fundraising, and/or event planning.
• Strengthens district-community relationships by facilitating meaningful conversations, organizing public forums, supporting family workshops, and/or collaborating with partners on local events to promote education and civic engagement.
• Stays connected through membership in service agencies, organizational boards, chambers of commerce, and/or other groups that influence and support the local community.