Recognizing exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese
The Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award was created in 2001 and administered by the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF) from 2002-2019. The award is now administered by EngageAsia with support from private donors. The award is offered in two categories, Humanities and Japanese Language, and honors top teachers who have dedicated their career to furthering mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese.
The award is open to current full-time K-12 classroom teachers of any relevant subject in the United States. There are two award categories, one in the humanities and one in Japanese language. The 2020 award was given in the Japanese language category.
Future application details will be announced.
The award is named in honor of Elgin Heinz (1913-2005) for his commitment to educating students about Asia as well as for the inspiration he has provided to the field of pre-college education.
The 2020 Elgin Heinz Award Virtual Award Ceremony was held on Friday, February 26, 2021 to honor:
Mr. Daniel Carolin
Teacher of Japanese Language and English
Kennedy High School
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Ms. Junko Tanaka
Teacher of Japanese Language
Clarendon Elementary School
San Francisco, CA
Ready to apply for the award?
Details on Future award application deadlines will be announced here.
Eligibility Requirements
The award is open to current full-time K-12 classroom teachers of any relevant subject in the United States. There are two award categories, one in the humanities and one in Japanese language.
Previous award recipients often have over 10 years of teaching experience and have been engaged in teaching their students about Japan for a substantial period of time. Candidates must demonstrate sustained commitment to improving mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese, and must have made a significant contribution to enhancing students’ knowledge of Japan.
Applicants for the Japanese language category must have excellent command of the Japanese language and may be contacted by members of the selection committee to verify this.
Messages from Elgin Heinz Awardees
“It is a true honor to receive the Elgin Heinz Award, and I am grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to foster connections between the future leaders in U.S.–Japan relations.”
— Waka Takahashi Brown, EH 2019
“Winning the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award reminds me that when you teach what you love, and you share what you know --you open eyes, hearts, and minds to new possibilities.”
— Sarah Campbell, EH 2017
“To be a recipient of the Elgin Heinz Award is truly the greatest honor of my life and one that I will always hold close to my heart.”
— Bob Clavelle, EH 2016
“Receiving the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award has inspired and enabled me to continue my effort in the education of my students using Japanese culture and language as a platform (conduit,) when teaching about social justice.”
-Junko Tanaka, EH, 2020
“Receiving the Elgin Heinz award will make it possible for a student or students of limited financial means to gain new perspectives and create new and lasting relationships with Japanese peers participating in Kennedy’s exchange program with Narita International High School.”
-Dan Carolin, EH, 2020
Sachiko Kono, EH 2013
Japanese Language Teacher Sachiko Kono from Anchorage Alaska describes the importance of teaching Japanese and the impact of the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award.
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