Candidate Criteria

Candidate Criteria for Nan Songer Award:

  • Must be a dues-paying Professional Member of HEAL Association
  • Practice: Demonstrates excellence in the delivery of school intervention, liaison and re-entry services, and/or educational supports for students with medical and/or mental health needs.
  • Teamwork: Is an active member of professional teams (i.e., interdisciplinary at hospital, committee work within HEAL (or formerly APHOES/AECMN) providing consultation and support.)
  • Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
  • Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them (NOTE: Nan Songer nominees must deliver school intervention/re-entry/liaison services.)
  • Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.

Candidate Criteria for Apple Award:

  • Must be a dues-paying Professional Member of HEAL Association
  • Practice: Demonstrates excellence in the delivery of curriculum and instruction for students with medical and/or mental health needs.
  • Teamwork: Is an active member of professional teams (i.e., interdisciplinary at hospital, committee work within HEAL (or formerly APHOES/AECMN) providing consultation and support.)
  • Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
  • Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them (NOTE: Apple Award nominees must deliver curriculum/instructional services as a hospital/homebound teacher.)
  • Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.

Candidate Criteria for Bridge Award:

  • A community group or individual whose work reflects the mission of HEAL by supporting the educational success of children with medical or mental health needs.  HEAL membership not required for this award.
  • Practice:Provides for the educational needs of patients and families in an exceptional manner.
  • Collaboration:Provides supports or resources that bridge the gap between hospital, school, and home.
  • Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
  • Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them.
  • Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.
Nomination and Selection Process

Nomination Process:

Any Professional Member or non-member can nominate another member  (or non-member for Bridge) whom they believe meets criteria to be recognized with this honor. Self-nominations are also allowed. Complete and submit  the online nomination form by January 19, 2024.

 

Selection Process:

The Nomination Committee will review all submissions and winners will be notified by February 9, 2024.  The awards will be presented at the Annual Conference.

Award Prizes
  • Recognition at the Annual Conference with presentation of plaque
  • 1 year membership fee waived per award
  • 1 free Conference Registration per award for the year of award (so recipient may attend award presentation)