John H. Lounsbury Award
The John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Service is the highest award given by NMSA. This award is given only when an individual has demonstrated a level of service, integrity, and leadership in middle level education that warrants this special recognition.

NMSA Distinguished Educator Award
Launched in November 2003, this award recognizes outstanding practitioners in middle level education—those who have made a significant impact on the lives of young adolescents through leadership, vision, and advocacy.

NMSA Distinguished Service Award
This award recognizes outstanding service by an organization or an individual who makes a significant contribution to advancing the work of National Middle School Association in reaching middle level educators, schools, and young adolescents.

Teams That Make A Difference Award
Sponsored by Pearson and National Middle School Association, this annual program recognizes teams of any kind—teachers, administrators, parents, community members, or any combination of these individuals. Teams That Make A Difference 2009 Award Winners.

Other Awards

National Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year. Each April, the National Teacher of the Year is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States and is released from classroom duties for one year to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson for the teaching profession.

USA Today "All-USA Teacher Team" Award
The All-USA Teacher Team honors 20 individuals and instructional teams as representatives of all outstanding educators. Each teacher is featured in USA TODAY and receives a trophy and a $2,500 cash award—$500 for the teachers and the rest for their schools.

The National Teachers Hall of Fame
The mission of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor exceptional career teachers, encourage excellence in teaching, and preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the United States.

Christopher Columbus Awards
This free program challenges middle school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Teams of up to four students and a coach identify a community issue and use the scientific process to solve it. Finalist teams win an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World® where they compete for gold medals and U.S. Savings Bonds.