Nomination Process

Anyone can submit a nomination using the 2025 COTY Nomination Form.
Nominate yourself or a colleague! Requirements within the form include:

• One essay of up to 300 words for each of the four judging areas: Leadership, Communication, Professionalism and Community Involvement 
• May include supporting documentation of up to three supplemental items for each section. 
• One letter from the nominee's current supervisor, superintendent or school board member.
• An updated résumé of the nominee

Judging Areas

Leadership: Describe how the nominee demonstrates leadership in successfully meeting the communication needs of their school system or educational service agency. Examples may include leading successful communication campaigns, overcoming an internal communication challenge or creating a robust strategic communication plan. Examples should include data-driven research, planning elements, implementation of strategies and tactics and evaluation measures showing outcomes. 

Communication: Describe how the nominee demonstrates their strength in both personal and organizational communication. Examples may include evidence of persuasion, public speaking, the power of engagement or influence in decision making. Examples should include why the nominee’s communication strengths made a positive impact. 

Professionalism: Describe how the nominee demonstrates a consistent effort toward increasing their knowledge and skills, providing professional development opportunities or being a mentor to others. Examples may include achieving accreditation in public relations (APR), participating in NSPRA’s Mentor Match program or serving as a speaker at the chapter or national level. 

Community Involvement: Describe how the nominee demonstrates active participation in their local community and an understanding of regional, national and international issues. Examples may include going above and beyond their daily work commitments by volunteering in their local community, organizing a fund-raising event for their community or writing an article that demonstrates broad knowledge of the complexities of public education. 

All activities or accomplishments must have taken place within the previous five years. Additionally, the nominee must have the ability and skills necessary to represent school communications in a professional manner, including but not limited to high-quality written communication and public-speaking skills. The nominee should maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and recognize that their personal conduct is held up to public scrutiny.

Consider nominating any eligible and deserving candidate.
For questions or additional information, contact Sandy Cokeley, APR, at executivedirector@njspra.com