CTA presents the Lois Tinson Human Rights Award to an individual CTA member whose activities have helped to achieve significant progress on behalf of equal opportunity for African Americans. Lois Tinson was CTA’s first African American and ethnic minority president. She was a gifted educator who was committed to public education and helping all children succeed. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have demonstrated leadership and commitment in one or more of the following areas related to African Americans:

• History
• Working to preserve African American culture,traditions, and values
• Training and leadership programs
• Educational materials and curriculum
• Economic and occupational status
• Greater voice in Association policy and decision-making 
• Serving as a role model inspiring and promoting leadership potential
• Educational equality 

CTA Member Human Rights Award

CTA presents the CTA Member Human Rights Award to an individual who has promoted human and civil rights within their communities in one or more of the following areas:

• Design and actively participate in community activities
• Recruit minority members into leadership within their local
• Promote the teaching profession among future teachers (Club Ed and Student CTA)
• Encourage middle and high school youth to enter the teaching profession
• Work to eradicate discrimination within their school site
• Be active within the local association promoting CTA’s Human Rights programs
• Work to build more effective family, school, and community partnerships