Purpose
- To recognize journalists and their employing publication/station for excellence in reporting about public education.
- To project a clear image of what classroom teachers feel exemplifies outstanding education reporting.
Prerequisites
- The submitted articles or broadcasts must relate to public education and must have been published or broadcast by a Texas medium between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2019. Entries submitted in an alternative language must be accompanied by a written English translation.
- Nominee must have completed the work while in the employment of a Texas news agency, newspaper, magazine or radio/television station. Freelance work will be accepted, provided the submissions are with a single Texas newspaper, magazine or radio/television station.
- Awards will be based on three to five articles or broadcasts.
Criteria
The TCTA Communications/Public Relations Committee will consider the following:
- The articles/broadcasts must help promote understanding of teachers and public education, and help improve communication between educators and the community.
- Submissions must be informative, timely, objective, fair and accurate.
- Teachers or the teaching profession should play a major role in the submitted pieces.
Submissions
- Entries must include a completed entry form and 3-5 articles published under a byline(s) or 3-5 broadcast pieces totaling no more than 20 minutes.
- Print entries may include photocopies, tear sheets, printable or electronic copies.
- Television entries may be submitted on DVD or as a QuickTime file. Radio entries may be submitted on audio CD or as an MP3 file.
Nomination Procedures
- Nominations may be submitted by any TCTA member or by a journalist or editor associated with the publication/station. Nominees also may be identified by the TCTA Communications/Public Relations Committee.
- Nominations may be submitted to TCTA headquarters online using the online nomination form OR via email, mail, fax or hand delivery using the downloadable PDF form. Supporting documentation (newspaper/magazine articles or radio and television broadcast pieces) can be sent to TCTA via email (communications@tcta.org), mail (PO Box 1489, Austin, TX 78767-1489) or fax (512-469-9527). Submitted materials will not be returned.
- Nomination must be RECEIVED by May 1, 2020. Please note: This is not a "postmarked" deadline.
Selection Process
Nominations are evaluated and the winner selected by members of the TCTA Communications/Public Relations Committee.
Award Presentation
The TCTA Silver Apple Media Award winner receives an engraved award and will be recognized in TCTA statewide publications and on the TCTA website.