About
As schools get ready for the 2024-25 school year, Tech & Learning announces the opening of their annual “The Best Tools for Back to School” to help our readers find the most impressive products and solutions that will support their work in any learning environment.
For this year's contest, Tech & Learning is seeking nominations for products that offer schools versatility, value, and solutions to specific problems to support innovative, effective teaching and learning. From security solutions to LMSs to hardware and software, this award will recognize both new and legacy technology that support effective teaching and learning practices in the new school year.
UPDATED! Extended entry deadline is now September 6, 2024 at 11:59PM EST
Find out more about the awards here
Why Enter?
Winning an AOE for The Best Tools for Back to School is more than just a pat on the back from Tech & Learning's editors. It's a fantastic way to showcase your products and their contributions to education:
Nominee and Winner logos will be distributed for use on product marketing and collateral.
Winning products will be showcased in a special edition of Tech & Learning distributed to 70,000 district leaders and school administrators.
An Award of Excellence represents the highest approval rating -- based on evaluation by actual educators using education technology every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: The Best Tools for Back to School?
The Awards of Excellence are a legacy award program recognizing innovation in the edtech industry. Tech & Learning magazine’s new Awards of Excellence program, “The Best Tools for Back to School,” is a way to celebrate the most impressive products and solutions that support the work of teachers, students, and parents as they prepare for the new 2024-25 school year.
Who Can Enter?
Any company that has a product that supports innovative, effective teaching and learning (it can be a new or legacy product).
Why Should I Enter?
Winning an Award of Excellence tells the industry that your product has been approved by the most important audience - the educators themselves. The top products will be selected and featured in a special edition of Tech & Learning magazine reaching more than 70,000 edtech professionals.
When Are Entries Due?
All entries are due by September 6, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter?
- Single Entry: $625
- 2-4 Entries: $595
- 5+ Entries: $525
What are the categories?.
Primary (K-6)
Enter any product that supports innovative, effective teaching and learning for elementary students, teachers or parents.
Secondary (6-12)
Enter any product that supports innovative, effective teaching and learning for secondary students, teachers or parents.
Higher Ed (college and beyond)
Enter any product that supports innovative, effective teaching and learning for higher education students or teachers.
May I Enter More Than One Product?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of products you may nominate. Each requires a nomination form and entry fee(s).
How Are Nominees Evaluated?
Entries will be passed through a panel of Tech & Learning advisors. Evaluation criteria includes:
- Ease of use
- Value
- Versatility/Product integrates with existing systems
- Product solves a problem
When Will Winners Be Announced?
Winners will be announced in September 2024 and featured in the September 2024 issue of Tech & Learning.
What If I Have More Questions?
If you have any questions about nominations please contact Jon Massingham at Jon.Massingham@futurenet.com.
Learn more about the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence Best for Back to School contest here.