The 2025 IAACE Award Nominations are Open!

2025 IAACE Awards – Nominations Now Open!

Nomination Period: May 28 – August 15, 2025

The Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE) is thrilled to announce that nominations for the 2025 IAACE Awards are now open! This year, we’ve updated the award descriptions to better reflect the excellence, leadership, and dedication within our adult education community.

As an IAACE member, you have the opportunity to recognize and honor colleagues, partners, and learners who have made significant contributions to adult education. Each region is encouraged to submit nominations in every category, and members are welcome to nominate individuals who share their professional title or role.

Award Categories:

Click the award name to view the full description; the nomination form link is at the bottom.

This award honors a business, organization, or individual that has made a significant impact on adult education through exceptional collaboration and support. Nominees may provide financial assistance, in-kind resources, programmatic partnerships, or other contributions that help adult education providers exceed learner expectations and meet or surpass performance goals. Nominators are encouraged to include specific examples of how the partner has supported adult education—such as sponsorships, co-developed training opportunities, hiring pipelines, or other impactful initiatives.

Business and Industry Partnership Award Nomination Form

This award recognizes a current IAACE member with at least two years of experience in a vital support role within adult education. Eligible nominees may include assistant directors, data coordinators, testing administrators, administrative assistants, and other key support staff. The award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism, and excellence—going above and beyond to ensure program effectiveness, operational efficiency, and learner success.

Outstanding Essential Support Staff Nomination Form

This award honors a current IAACE member with one to four years of experience in adult education who consistently exceeds program expectations and demonstrates exceptional promise in the field. The nominee goes above and beyond to support adult learners, earning the respect of both students and colleagues. They foster a strong sense of community in the classroom, set high expectations, and model a genuine love of learning. This educator stands out for their enthusiasm, flexibility, professionalism, and collaborative spirit—making a meaningful impact early in their career.

Outstanding New Adult Educator Nomination Form

This award recognizes a current IAACE member with a minimum of five years of experience who consistently exceeds state standards and program requirements in the field of adult education. The nominee demonstrates exceptional commitment to their learners, surpassing administrative expectations and cultivating a classroom environment rooted in respect, community, and high achievement. Known for their enthusiasm, care, and love of learning, these educators set a high bar for both students and peers. They are a collaborative leader, adaptable both in and out of the classroom, and a true professional who embodies the best of what adult education has to offer.

Outstanding Adult Educator Nomination Form

This award honors a current IAACE member with at least two years of experience serving as an administrator, coordinator, or director in adult education. The nominee leads a state-recognized Program of Excellence and exemplifies outstanding leadership in all aspects of program administration. They are an instructional leader with strong ethics, a dynamic presence, and an unwavering commitment to both adult learners and staff. Known for their ability to assess and elevate diverse individuals, programs, and processes, this administrator is an excellent communicator, reflective practitioner, and lifelong learner. Resourceful and collaborative, they lead by example—“walking the walk and talking the talk”—to inspire excellence at every level of their organization.

Outstanding Administrator/Coordinator/Director Form

This award honors an individual with at least one year of volunteer service in adult education or literacy in the state of Indiana. IAACE membership is not required. The nominee has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to supporting adult learners and programs. Known for their strong work ethic, community-building abilities, and excellent communication and listening skills, this volunteers’ friendliness and approachability help learners, staff, and organizations thrive and exceed expectations.

Outstanding Tutor/Volunteer Nomination Form

This award celebrates an adult learner who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their education and personal growth. While IAACE membership is not required, the nominee should ideally have been enrolled in your program for at least one year. This individual exemplifies strong study habits, effective organizational skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Through education, they have transformed their life and now serve as an inspiration to peers, instructors, and the broader community.

Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year Nomination Form

The John Nally Award represents the highest standard of excellence in correctional education. As the inaugural recipient, John Nally set a distinguished precedent for all future honorees. To be considered for this prestigious award, nominees must meet several important criteria. First, they must be an active member of the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE). Additionally, candidates must demonstrate exceptional service, with a proven track record of outstanding contributions to the education of incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities, jails, community corrections, or out-of-custody programs. Nominees should also have a minimum of five consecutive years of experience in adult education working with incarcerated populations. Finally, each nominee must be endorsed through a nomination by someone in a management position. These criteria ensure that the award continues to honor individuals who embody the spirit and dedication of John Nally.

Dr. John Nally Award of Excellence in Correctional Education Nomination Form

Each award has detailed criteria in the nomination forms. Please take a moment to review and thoughtfully complete your submissions.

We also want to honor IAACE members who have retired since our last conference or will be retiring this year. Please submit retiree information using the form linked on the retirements page by the deadline above.

Important Dates:

  • Award Nomination Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2025, at Midnight EST

  • Retiree Recognition Submission Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025, at Midnight EST

Awards Ceremony:

Join us as we celebrate the outstanding individuals and partners who are shaping the future of adult education:

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
7:00 p.m. EST
Blue Chip Casino – Stardust Ballroom, Michigan City, IN

Guest ticket details will be available in August.

If you have any questions about the nomination process or ceremony, please email us at director@iaace.com.

Let’s shine a light on the incredible people making a difference every day in adult education!