About the TCOE Awards 

Each year, the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE) proudly sponsors awards recognizing educators, advocates, supporters, and industry partners for their outstanding contributions to transportation-related education. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the TCOE Awards Committee during a regularly scheduled meeting. 

Decisions regarding the number of awards and whether they are issued annually are at the discretion of the Awards Committee. The committee also reserves the right to withhold any award each year. All nominations will remain active for up to three years and may be extended at the discretion of the Awards Committee. 

Award recipients will receive the award in person or through a proxy at the MTTIA Summer Conference. If a recipient is unable to make it in person, the award will be delivered to them.  

Nomination Process 

  • Nominations must be submitted through the official nomination form, available at https://www.minntran.org/tcoe-awards/. 
  • At least 3 letters of support are required to go along with the nomination and need to be emailed to [email protected].  
  • The nomination deadline is March 31st. 
  • Award recipients will be notified by May 1st. 
  • Individuals may not nominate themselves for an award. 

TCOE Staff Role in Nominations

  • TCOE staff may submit nominations and assist in coordinating support letters. 
  • However, TCOE staff cannot write support letters themselves to ensure an impartial selection process. 

Award Criteria 

 Hall of Fame 

Recognizing lifetime contributions to transportation education in Minnesota.  

Criteria: 

  • Has dedicated at least 20 years to transportation education and/or industry, making a lasting impact on the field. 
  • Demonstrates outstanding contributions and distinguished service that have significantly advanced transportation education in Minnesota. 
  • Has achieved noteworthy accomplishments that exemplify the distinction and prestige of “Hall of Fame” membership. 
  • Serves as a mentor, leader, or advocate, shaping the next generation of transportation professionals and educators. 
  • Leaves a legacy of excellence, inspiring continued innovation and improvement in transportation education. 

Outstanding Educator of the Year

Celebrating excellence in transportation teaching and learning.

Criteria:

  • Has more than five years of teaching experience in transportation-related education.
  • Demonstrates exemplary instructional practices that engage students and uphold high performance standards.
  • Actively promotes and advocates for their program within the community, fostering industry and educational partnerships.
  • Consistently participates in professional development (e.g., ASE, MTTIA, MTEEA, MAAE) to stay current in the field and support professional growth
  • Contributes to the broader transportation education community by engaging in TCOE functions, statewide initiatives, and events such as conferences, competitions, and workshops.
  • Serves as a mentor or leader, inspiring students and colleagues while advancing the field of transportation education.

Outstanding New Educator of the Year

Recognizing early-career educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

Criteria:

  • Has less than five years of teaching experience in transportation-related education
  • Demonstrates exemplary instructional practices that engage students and uphold high performance standards.
  • Actively promotes and advocates for their program within the community, fostering industry and educational partnerships.
  • Consistently participates in professional development (e.g., ASE, MTTIA, MTEEA, MAAE) to stay current in the field and support professional growth
  • Contributes to the broader transportation education community by engaging in TCOE functions, statewide initiatives, and events such as conferences, competitions, and workshops.
  • Serves as a mentor or leader, inspiring students and colleagues while advancing the field of transportation education.

Exemplary College Program of the Year

Recognizing outstanding post-secondary transportation education programs that set the standard for excellence.

Criteria:

  • Demonstrates excellence in education through high performance, rigorous standards, and student success
  • Actively engages with the community, fostering industry partnerships and promoting career pathways
  • Maintains strong faculty involvement in professional development (e.g., ASE, MTTIA, MTEEA, MAAE) to support continuous improvement and industry alignment
  • Majority of faculty contribute to the broader transportation education community by engaging in TCOE functions, statewide initiatives, and events such as conferences, competitions, and workshops.
  • Serves as a model program, showcasing best practices in curriculum, instruction, and workforce development.

Exemplary High School Program of the Year

Recognizing outstanding secondary transportation education programs that set the standard for excellence.

Criteria:

  • Demonstrates excellence in education through high performance, rigorous standards, and student success
  • Actively engages with the community, fostering industry partnerships and promoting career pathways
  • Maintains strong educator involvement in professional development (e.g., ASE, MTTIA, MTEEA, MAAE) to support continuous improvement and industry alignment
  • Majority of educators contribute to the broader transportation education community by engaging in TCOE functions, statewide initiatives, and events such as conferences, competitions, and workshops.
  • Serves as a model program, showcasing best practices in curriculum, instruction, and workforce development.

Transportation Program Supporter of the Year

Honoring individuals who provide exceptional support to transportation education.

Criteria:

  • Recognized for exemplary support through contributions of time, expertise, advocacy, or resources to transportation-related programs.
  • Directly impacts students, educators, or programs through mentorship, training, or outreach efforts.
  • Advocates for transportation education and workforce development at the local, state, or national level.

Industry Partner of the Year

Honoring businesses or non-profit organizations that significantly support transportation education.

Criteria:

  • Demonstrates exceptional commitment to transportation education through sustained partnerships, advocacy, or mentorship.
  • Actively engages with educators, students, or transportation programs.
  • Provides financial or in-kind support, such as scholarships, equipment donations, or training opportunities.
  • Contributes to advisory committees and/or curriculum development that enhances transportation education.

Academic Professional of the Year

Recognizing individuals (i.e. Deans, Lab Assistants, Administrative Assistants, etc.) who provide exceptional support to transportation education programs through their dedication, advocacy, and service.

Criteria:

  • Demonstrates outstanding contributions in administrative, advocacy, or operational support that enhance transportation-related programs.
  • Actively promotes and strengthens transportation education through leadership, resource management, or student support initiatives.
  • Demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving transportation education at the institutional, regional, or state level.