Do you know an outstanding educator?
The Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf is looking for outstanding teachers in the field of Deaf Education!
We recognize that teaching in the center-based setting and the itinerant environment are very different, and we would like to honor both.
CAID awards outstanding teachers for their dedication, hard work, and impact on their deaf and hard of hearing students. Know someone who deserves recognition in the field? Nominating someone is easy. Scroll down to enter them in today.
CAID is also proud to offer Grants to Teachers!
TEACHER AWARDS
All-Hands-In Award
(Center-based award)
Purpose: This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of center-based teachers who provide structured, specialized instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing within dedicated program classrooms. It recognizes educators who cultivate strong language development, student engagement, and a nurturing learning environment that supports academic and social-emotional growth. *Self-nominations accepted.
Eligibility:
- Must be currently employed in a center-based classroom for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Must have at least three years of experience in a center-based or self-contained DHH classroom.
- Demonstrate excellence in instructional strategies, language development, cultural competence, and creating a supportive classroom community.
- Must be a current member of CAID in good standing.
Service Without Walls Award
(Itinerant Award)
Purpose: This award recognizes the exceptional dedication, adaptability, and instructional impact of itinerant teachers serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing across diverse educational settings. It honors educators who demonstrate innovative service delivery, foster inclusion, and advocate effectively for student success in mainstream environments. *Self-nominations accepted.
Eligibility:
- Must be currently employed as an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Must serve students in two or more school sites or districts. Must have a minimum of three years of experience as an itinerant teacher.
- Demonstrate excellence in collaboration, communication with teams and families, student advocacy, and service flexibility.
- Must be a current member of CAID in good standing.
NOMINATE A TEACHER NOW!
Nominees will receive a followup email from CAID with further information.
GRANTS FOR TEACHERS
Signs of Change Grant
(Initiative Grant)
Have a project you've dreamed of trying with your students but lacked the funds to get started? Now is the time to apply for a grant from CAID to make that dream come true!
Deadline to apply: October 15, 2025
Interview process to commence: November 12, 2025
Amount maximum - $1,000 per recipient
**Must log into your CAID account to make a nomination**
Purpose: CAID members are invited to propose innovative ideas—such as lessons, activities, or projects—to enhance the education of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). Proposals may support individual students, small groups, entire schools, or the community. Applicants should clearly outline how the funds will be used to support their idea.
Eligibility: Any CAID member who interacts with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is eligible to apply. This could be teachers of the deaf, SPED teachers, administrators, coordinators, etc.
Follow-Up Requirement: Award recipient(s) must follow up with the CAID Award Committee within one year of receiving the grant, unless alternative arrangements have been approved in advance. This follow-up should include sharing photos, videos, or other media documenting the implementation and impact of their project.
- Things to include in feedback, not an exhaustive list:
- What were the results?
- Reaction
- Personal Experience
- Student experience
- Did it go according to plan?
All award and grant recipients will be notified by or before December 18, 2025.
