Each year CTA-AE recognizes the contributions of our members, chapters and advisors. CTA-AE Awards are presented at the CTA-AE Representative Assembly (the annual business meeting of the association) each spring. 

CTA-AE W.H.O. (We Honor Ours) Award is presented to an outstanding local chapter leader.

Outstanding Chapter Advisor(s) is presented to outstanding faculty or staff that excel in their role as local chapter advisor.

Virginia Ann Shadwick Human Rights Award is presented to a local CTA-AE chapter or CTA-AE member that has made a significant accomplishment in furthering human rights issues.

Outstanding Local Chapter is the most prestigious award given by CTA-AE. This award is presented to the chapter that has excelled in various categories.

Chapter Membership Recognition provides recognition to chapters for the greatest membership increase from the previous year (both numbers and percent) as well as the largest overall membership for the year.

CTA Aspiring Educators Scholarship in Honor of L. Gordon Bittle

The CTA Aspiring Educators Scholarship in Honor of L. Gordon Bittle educational scholarships supports active members and CTA Aspiring Educators (CTA-AE) members – formerly known as Student CTA –  throughout the academic year with funds to be used for education-related purposes.

• A maximum of three scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded.
• One scholarship is designated as the Pacific Asian American Scholarship in Honor of Philip Vera Cruz and is awarded to the highest-scoring applicant.
• Applicant must be an active member of CTA Aspiring Educators and pursuing a career in public education as a student member.
• College coursework should reflect high academic achievement. Explain any unique circumstances related to medical, physical or emotional difficulties that may have affected your grades.

Note: This category is not for CTA Members. It is for CTA-AE members, formerly known as Student CTA (SCTA).

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program

In July of 2021, CTA/NEA-Retired member Gloria Pedretti reached out to CTA/NEA-Retired, wanting to help potential educators in their credential preparation journey and willing to provide a generous donation in order to make this happen. Together, we created the CTA/NEA-Retired Gloria Pedretti Credential Candidate Scholarship.

Questions? Email CTA-Retired@cta.org

NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship 

The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Jack Kinnaman, the then-serving NEA-Retired Vice President. At his demise, the family wished to establish a scholarship program in his honor, thus beginning a much needed assistance activity for worthy aspiring educators.

In the first year of the program in 2002, a scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to one recipient. As Retired members have continued to generously donate, the amount has greatly increased to five scholarships of $3,500 each. To be considered for this award, Aspiring Educators must submit an application. The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Committee selects the winners, who are announced at the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting.