Nomination Process

Thank you for visiting the 2012 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Web Site. Below is a timeline outlining the McGraw Prize program milestones:

• 2012 Feb. 6 - Call for Nominations
  The McGraw-Hill Companies launches outreach campaign to solicit nominations from the educational community for the 25th Anniversary 2012 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education.
• 2012 Mar 16 - Deadline for Submissions
  All nominations must be completed and received by this date in order to be considered by the Board of Judges.
• 2012 June - Award Recipient Notification
• 2012 Sept 18 - Award Winners Announced

Nominators are encouraged to nominate outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education for the 25th Anniversary 2012 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. The application process consists of a one-time entry submission that will be reviewed and judged by the Board of Judges. Three winners will be selected.

All applications become the property of The McGraw-Hill Companies. The contents may be used for promotion, editorial, advertising, marketing, and other similar purposes without further notice or any compensation.

Note: The deadline for nomination submissions is March 16, 2012.

"Game Changers"

The 2012 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education seeks to acknowledge current and emerging leaders who are developing new ideas to address the major challenges now facing American education in the early years of the 21st century. These leaders will exhibit forward-thinking ideas and concepts, or, in the words of Harvard’s Clayton Christensen -- "disruptive innovations," which are poised to address current and future trials in education. Can we imagine what comes next with tablets and online learning? Or assessments and standards? These pioneers have not only imagined it; they have engineered a solution. In sum, the accomplishments and vision of the 2012 McGraw Prize winners make them "Game Changers."

The silver anniversary of the McGraw Prize offers an opportunity to reflect on the changes in education over the last quarter century and to remind ourselves not only of the distinguished history of the Prize but also of the accomplishments for which each of our winners were honored.

The Prize will be awarded in each of the following three categories:

Game Changer: Pioneer -- An educational leader that during the past quarter century has changed the way we think about a particular area of education and who has developed a new concept or approach to teaching and learning. Someone who has put this innovation into practice in a way that can be applied broadly. There are no restrictions on the area or level of education in which this person is making his or her contribution.

Game Changer: Rising Star -- A relatively young researcher, practitioner or policymaker who, based on his or her accomplishments thus far, shows the promise of becoming a "game changer"and making even greater contributions in the future. This person imagines a future where education reform breaks boundaries, taking on new shapes and forms and is a visionary who has rolled up his or her sleeves to craft new solutions.

Game Changer: Luminary -- Someone from outside the fields of education -- the community, media, politics, business or wherever – who is passionate about education and has motivated others. All segments of society have a stake in the success of public education, and leaders from all segments can play a role in shaping teaching and learning. Thus, this person’s accomplishments should reflect the fact that education does not exist in a world unto itself.

To nominate an individual for 2012 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education award, apply online.

(For your reference, a PDF version of the form can be downloaded).

You will need to provide three letters of recommendation for your nominee. Please clearly designate the nominee's name, title and contact information on each letter of recommendation. All materials should be postmarked no later than Friday, March 16, 2012.

If you have questions, please email prize@mcgraw-hill.com.

Mail to:
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education
The McGraw-Hill Companies
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 47th Floor
New York, NY 10020-1095
212-512-6113

You may also send collateral materials including articles, videotapes, publications, etc. in support of your nominee.

All materials should be postmarked no later than Friday, March 16, 2012.

Mail to:
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education
The McGraw-Hill Companies
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 47th Floor
New York, NY 10020-1095
212-512-6113

Q: Are there a limited number of times that I can leave and come back to the application as I complete it?

A: No. You may close the application and reopen it as many times as needed. However, keep in mind that once you press the final submission button, you have officially entered the competition, and you will no longer have access to it.

Q: Who will be judging the applications?

A: Your applications will be judged by an independent, distinguished Board of Judges composed of experienced educational professionals and category content specialists.