Editor’s Note: I’ve invited two exceptional, Dr. Isabel Baca and Lorena Germán, to write about an exciting opportunity for Latinx teachers and researchers (If you’re not familiar with the term “Latinx,” you can learn about it here.

Dr. Isabel Baca is an associate professor of English at the University of Texas at El Paso and is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC).

Lorena Germán is a 12th year Dominican-American educator working with young people in Austin, Texas. She has been published by NCTE, ASCD, EdWeek, and others and is an active member of the Bread Loaf Teacher Network. She is a two-time nationally awarded teacher and co-founder of The Multicultural Classroom, an organization seeking to support educators in developing a culturally sustaining approach to education. Lorena is a wife, mami, teacher, and writer. Follow her on Twitter at @nenagermanis:

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is a professional association of educators in English studies, literacy, and language arts.  NCTE houses several interest groups, such as the Latinx Caucus. This Caucus has a strong and long history of advocating for the rights and needs of Latinx educators, students, and communities. As part of these efforts, we are proud to offer two awards with financial funding to support the work of Latinx educators. We believe nurturing Latinx educators is important because as our country’s demographics change and Latinxs continue to grow as a population, working with such educators and students in meaningful and celebratory ways is crucial.

For the Excelencia in Teaching Scholarship ($1000), we seek applications from teachers who powerfully and successfully engage students in learning by using innovative approaches in their classrooms. Such teaching is key to moving the profession forward, and we are confident that there are plenty of Latinx teachers in our vast country doing this important work. Through the Nuestra Gente Award ($500), we are recognizing Latinx researchers whose work highlights issues and strategies related to enhancing the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students. We would love to honor a researcher who is affirming the lives and literatures, literacies, and legacies of people across complex and multiple lines of difference, paying attention to historically underrepresented populations, specifically Latinxs.

To apply, you will need to complete a brief questionnaire and submit some simple documentation. Applications are due by July 31, 2017. We look forward to receiving many applications!