FATE presents the Mary L. Collins Award for Excellence in Teacher Education and offers four Fanchon F. Funk Scholars Awards. Learn more about these opportunities, and how to apply, below:
Mary L. Collins Award for Excellence in Teacher Education
The Mary L. Collins Award for Excellence in Teacher Education is presented each year to an educator who has made significant and substantial contributions to teacher education in Florida. The award, established in 2000, is named for Dr. Mary Collins, Professor of Teacher Education in the Fischler Graduate School of Education at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Collins is responsible for the revitalization of FATE and has made many contributions to teacher education at the state, regional and national levels.
The nomination must originate from a FATE member. The Teacher Educator Standards, published by ATE, the Association of Teacher Educators should be taken into consideration when completing the nomination. These standards can be reviewed on the ATE website, https://www.ate1.org/standards.html
The nomination must originate from a FATE member. Submit a nomination online
Nomination Packages are due October 16, 2026. Recipients will be notified no later than October 26, 2026.
This award will be presented at the 2026 Florida Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference (FATE) at Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL on November 13-14th, 2026. Learn more about the 2026 FATE conference details.
Fanchon F. Funk Scholars Awards
The Florida Association of Teacher Educators bestows the Fanchon F. Funk Scholars Awards upon two College / University students recognized for their potential as future educators. The privilege and opportunity come in the form of discourse and working with esteemed members of the teacher education profession at the Florida Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference. The obligation is fulfilled as these scholars assist with the conference and as they strive to achieve professional and personal goals reflecting the challenges and accomplishments characterizing the life of a professional educator.
Dr. Funk retired from Florida State University after many years of teaching with enthusiasm and a true love for preparing future educators.” This award recognizes students in education programs who emulate her enthusiasm and commitment to the teaching profession. Two scholars will each receive a $500 award, a certificate and complimentary registration for the 2026 Florida Association of Teacher Educators Annual Conference (FATE) at Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL on November 13-14th, 2026. Scholars will also receive a one-year complimentary student membership in FATE.Scholars are expected to attend the Awards Luncheon on Saturday November 14, 2026 where they will be recognized for their achievements. Learn more about the 2026 FATE conference details.
To be eligible for this award, the applicant must be a student currently enrolled in an education program at an accredited institution of higher education in the state of Florida. An overall grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is requisite for consideration by the FATE Awards Committee.
Applications are due October 16, 2026. Recipients will be notified no later than October 26, 2026.