3M Economic Educator Awards Program Description
The 3M Economic Education Awards acknowledges how teachers allocate creativity and commitment to the instruction of economics.

Sponsored by 3M and the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, an Economic Education Award has been presented for 30 years. The two award categories are:

Economic Educator Excellence Award
Recognizes teachers who have a sustained history of commitment and contribution to economic education.

Innovative Economic Educator Award
Recognizes teachers who create and implement innovative projects that increase K-12 economic understanding.

Nomination Process
Teachers may nominate themselves or may be nominated by a peer, school administrator, curriculum specialist, community or business representative or a director of a Center for Economic Education.

Nominations must be received by June 1. Please send the nominee's name, and contact information to the Minnesota Council via the online nomination form.

The Minnesota Council on Economic Education will send each nominee an entry packet to complete and return by July 15.

Eligibility
Both awards are open to Minnesota teachers in grades K-12. The Excellence Award is a one-time award. Last year's Innovative Educator Award winners are not eligible for the same award this year.

Awards Celebration
Award winners, along with their administrators, will be honored at EconFest, our annual recognition event in October.

Economic Educator Excellence Award

Award Criteria
In selecting the winning teacher, judges will consider:

• Leadership in economic education
• Sustained commitment to economic education
• Continuing preparation in economic education
• Contributions to students' intellectual growth in economics

Recognition
Award winner will receive $1,500 plus curriculum and classroom materials. The winner will be featured in the Minnesota Council newsletter and on the web site.

Entry Submission
An entry will include two letters of support indicating the success or impact the educator has had on student economic learning.

Entries will also include a one-page written response to each of the following:

• Describe your efforts to enhance economics in your school's curriculum or in your professional, business or local community.
• Describe your professional development activities related to economic education.
• Describe or document your students' significant achievement or growth in their understanding of economics.

Innovative Economic Educator Award

Award Criteria
In selecting the winning teachers, judges will consider:

• Innovation in approach
• Emphasis on basic economic concepts
• Ease of replication by other educators
• Assessment of student learning
• Contributions to students' understanding of economic issues

Recognition
A first and second place Innovative Educator Award will be given in two categories - one for K-8 and one for secondary level grades 9-12. First place winners will receive $1,500; second place winners will receive $500. Winning entries will be featured on the Minnesota Council's web site.

Entry Submission
A nominated teacher will receive an entry packet requesting the following:

• Brief description of the learning activity.
• A list of the economic concepts addressed in the activity.
• The learning objectives of the activity.
• The procedures followed in teaching the learning activity and a list of required materials.
• Description of the assessment used to measure student learning.
• Documentation or evidence of student learning.