Are you—or someone you know—an exceptional high school teacher who brings Shakespeare’s works vividly to life in the classroom? The Parr Prize for Excellence in Teaching Shakespeare is now open for nominations, and offers $10,000 awards to three outstanding educators across the US.
Founded by philanthropist Gary Parr in honor of a teacher who changed his life, the Parr Prize celebrates the transformative power of Shakespeare in high school education. As the committee states, “Teachers ignite a passion for the timeless works of Shakespeare and therefore an understanding of human nature” and it is “committed to recognizing and honoring the exceptional efforts of educators who bring the magic of Shakespeare to life in high school classrooms across the nation.”
Eligibility
- Teachers at any US public or private high school
- With at least three years of teaching experience
- Who demonstrate creativity, passion, and effectiveness in teaching Shakespeare—Shakespeare does not have to be their primary focus
What Makes a Strong Candidate?
Judges—Shakespeare scholars and experienced educators—will evaluate applications based on:
- Commitment to Shakespeare in education
- Innovative teaching methods
- Engaging students through acting and performance
- Use of multimedia and outside resources
- A clear understanding of Shakespeare’s importance in modern education
How to Apply or Nominate
Anyone can nominate a deserving teacher—or educators can apply themselves.
Key Deadlines
- Nominations due: July 30, 2025
- Application materials due: August 24, 2025
- Winners announced: November 3, 2025
- Award celebration: January 17–19, 2026 (Travel and lodging for the winner and one guest will be fully covered)
Application Materials
- A current resume or CV (must reference your role as an NEHS Chapter Advisor)
- A sample lesson plan or student project (up to 15 pages)
- Two letters of support (current or former employer or someone else who knows your teaching well)
- Responses (up to 500 words each) to four short essay questions:
- Describe the most significant obstacle you have encountered in incorporating Shakespeare into the curriculum and explain how you overcame it.
- Please detail the teaching methodologies you have found to be most and least effective in your classroom, providing specific examples and their impact on student learning.
- From a student-centered perspective, how does the study of Shakespeare’s works integrate with and enhance other core learning objectives within your overall curriculum?
- What particular benefits or skills do you believe students gain when they study Shakespeare?
This is a unique opportunity to gain national recognition for your work—and to be part of a community that values the enduring impact of Shakespeare in education. NEHS Chapter Advisors are especially encouraged to apply or nominate a teacher whose passion for literature has made a lasting impact.
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