An Arizona school, district, or county administrator who skillfully recognizes and utilizes technologies that make their institution more efficient and effective, uses technology to engage families and communities, and encourages teachers to expand their professional knowledge and skills in integrating technology. (Example positions: principal, assistant principal, district superintendent, county superintendent)

• CLASSROOM TEACHER, K-5: An Arizona K-5 grade classroom teacher who facilitates the development of 21st century skills through the integration of technology in a meaningful context; such as blended learning, project based, or inquiry based approaches.

• CLASSROOM TEACHER, 6-12: An Arizona 6-12 grade classroom teacher who facilitates the development of 21st century skills through the integration of technology in a meaningful context; such as blended learning, project based, or inquiry based approaches.

An Arizona school, district, or county technology administrator with a dynamic vision for the integration of technology to enhance student learning.

An Arizona school or district EdTech Specialist or Technology Coach who facilitates effective, impactful technology integration coaching and mentoring to positively impact student learning outcomes.(An Ed Tech Specialist/Coach nominee could be a full time or part time position)

A post-secondary faculty or staff member at an Arizona community college, college, or university in Arizona who strengthens K–12 teaching and learning by building authentic, impactful connections between higher education and K–12 education through educational technology. This award honors individuals in community colleges, colleges, or universities who teach, train, lead, advocate, or collaborate with K–12 educators and students to advance effective technology integration, support educator growth, and translate innovation into classroom practice.

The Dr. Ruth Catalano Friend of Technology Award honors the legacy of AZTEA founder Dr. Ruth Catalano, a tireless advocate for educational technology. This prestigious award recognizes a current AZTEA member in Arizona who has actively served in an AZTEA leadership role or demonstrated exceptional dedication to the organization.

A nominee must be a current AZTEA member, with a minimum of 5 years of membership and active involvement with the organization. Recipients also exemplify a strong commitment to advancing educational technology through advocacy, collaboration, and cheerful service.

• All nominees for this award must be active, current members of AzTEA. The Making IT Happen award honors an outstanding Arizona educator or leader who is committed to transforming education through innovative technology integration. This internationally recognized program identifies visionaries around the world who cultivate connected, empowered learners in all schools. This award celebrates something that’s very important — those innovators who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving learning opportunities for students. These are people who:

  1. Apply available technology now

  2. Move forward and don’t look back

  3. See students as real people

  4. Teach through relationships, inspiring, encouraging and nurturing

  5. Recognize that further change is necessary, but understand that it is a process

  6. Realize that teacher empowerment is the key element to technology integration

  7. Expect success

  8. Motivate through awareness and access to information