| | Accessible VersionExceptional Education Leaders
2026 Talent Pool Recommendation |
| This is a confidential process. Individuals should not be aware of this recommendation. |
Incomplete forms will be eliminated from the process.
We invite you to recommend distinguished kindergarten through grade twelve classroom teachers, specialists, and/or principals with five to 20 years in education. We will accept submissions for educators who meet these requirements:
- Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
- Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
- Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
- Early- to mid-career educators (at least five years and up to 20 years in the education field) who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
- Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community. |
Please complete a separate form, including a one-page letter explaining how this person meets the above criteria, for each individual you wish to nominate. See the Exceptional Education Leaders letter on the CDE Year 2026 Letters web page for more information.
All questions are required except those that are marked as optional. Incomplete forms may be eliminated from the process.
To ensure compliance with data privacy laws and best practices, please refrain from including personally identifiable student information when citing examples of the nominee’s impact. When citing examples involving non-student members of the school/community, please be mindful of the sensitivity of information being shared and—whenever possible—seek permission to share stories that are not your own. |
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