About the OLE! Award

The Outstanding Latino/a Educator (OLÉ) Award was established in 2004 in the College of Education under the auspices of the College’s Diversity Committee.  The awards are given annually to Latina/o students of the College of Education who, according to COEDU faculty nominators, demonstrate exceptional performance/potential in the areas of teaching, research, and service.  One award is available at each of the levels of study (Undergraduate, Master’s/Ed. S., and Doctoral).  Additionally, there is an honorable mention award for each level as well (criteria for the awards can be found below).  Nominees and their families are invited to an awards dinner to be held on Friday, October 17th from 6:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. in the COEDU's TECO Room.  Recipients receive an honorarium as well as other gifts.

The nomination process originates with COEDU faculty, who are welcome to nominate more than one student. To nominate Outstanding Latina or Latino Educators for this award, faculty must submit an OLÉ award nomination form online or as paper copy with supporting documentation for each student nominated. Please take note that:
  • The deadline for completing the nomination process is Monday, September 29, 2014.
  • To be eligible for nomination, students must be enrolled in the College of Education through the Fall semester of 2014 in order to receive the award.
Nominating faculty members are expected to submit a short description or supporting statement as to why they feel the student should receive the award.  All nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee at the beginning of the fall semester.  Nominations should include
  1. The nominee’s name and email address (we will request from the nominees a résumé or curriculum vita and supporting documentation).
  2. A one-page supporting statement with information you feel would help the selection committee make its determination based on the criteria pertaining to the nominee’s level of study. In it you can also describe the capacity and length of time you have known the student, the Latino/a heritage and supporting documentation of performance related to the award criteria.
  3. Any additional information you feel would help the selection committee make its determination. For example, you may submit any samples of the nominee’s work you may deem appropriate to support your nomination.
  4. Send nominations to Dr. Zorka Karanxha at karanxha@usf.edu on or before Monday, September 29, 2014.
Addressing the criteria appropriate for the student’s level (undergraduate, masters or Ed.S, doctoral), explain why the student should receive the award (see criteria below).
    Criteria for Awards

    UNDERGRADUATE: At this level, it is expected that the student’s focus would be primarily on a major area of study in the College of Education.  Service should be evident (e.g., membership in student organizations, volunteer activities, participation within schools and/or communities as work or service learning).  Research (e.g., use of data to inform instruction, work with faculty on research projects) and teaching could also be evident.

    MASTER OR EDUCATION SPECIALIST: At this level, it is expected that the student’s focus would be primarily on disciplinary practice (e.g., teaching, counseling, etc.).  Research (e.g., action research in the classroom, work with faculty on research projects) and service (e.g., membership in professional organizations, participation with schools and/or communities, leadership in professional development experiences) should be evident.  Teaching experience or disciplinary practice (e.g., evaluating, counseling, etc.) could be included.  A higher level of sophistication is expected of students at the Ed.S. level in comparison to those at the Master’s level) regarding contributions to research, service, and PK-12 student learning and/or related supports.

    DOCTORAL: At this level, it is expected that the student’s focus would be primarily on research and related experiences performed independently or in collaboration with faculty (e.g., conference presentations, manuscript submissions, creative works). Service should be evident (e.g., membership in professional organizations and within schools and/or communities).  Teaching experience or disciplinary practice (e.g., evaluating, counseling, etc.) could be included, preferably at the college level but also at the PK-12 level.

    Nomination Procedures

    To submit your nomination, please:
    Either way, make sure to include supporting documentation and to send nominations to Dr. Zorka Karanxha at karanxha@usf.edu on or before Monday, September 29, 2014.