Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals:

Exceptional Education Leaders

The California Department of Education (CDE) invites school administrators to recommend outstanding secondary (grade six through twelve) educators for the 2023 Exceptional Education Leaders Recognition Program. The annual program alternates between honoring diverse elementary (prekindergarten through grade five) and secondary educators, but we will accept recommendations for elementary and secondary grade levels this year.

The CDE maintains a file of exceptional educators that consists of distinguished teachers and principals. These education leaders may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces. Such people inspire students, colleagues, and the community and exhibit strong potential for professional leadership. We request recommendations to identify educators and emerging leaders who will be of great value to your community and the state and may ultimately receive prestigious recognition.

This year, we are especially seeking recommendations for grade six through twelve educators who are somewhat new to the profession and demonstrate unique instructional and leadership ability; however, we will accept recommendations for educators from prekindergarten to twelfth grade.

Of special interest are educators who are outstanding but have not yet received other recognition and who have been in the profession from five to 18 years. These educators provide models for others and have distinguished themselves above and beyond established top-quality professionals in many of our schools. Candidates are typically classroom teachers, as opposed to specialists, and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their leadership and results with students. Nonetheless, principals and specialists are considered as well.

Please provide CONFIDENTIAL, succinct, and specific information regarding one or more candidates via the survey at https://surveys3.cde.ca.gov/go/exeptionaledleaderform2023.asp by Friday, May 19, 2023. You will need to attach a one-page narrative that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria in this letter. We ask that you keep this recommendation confidential and do not share it with the individual. We know you are busy. If necessary, please assign the request to an associate.

If you have any questions, please email exceptionaleducators@cde.ca.gov.

I encourage you to recommend candidates. Your cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction