This award recognizes a dissertation of exemplary conceptual, methodological, and rhetorical quality on an important topic that addresses social contexts of education. Nominees must be members of AERA and must have been awarded the Ph.D. or Ed.D. between May 1, 2025 and November 30, 2026 to be eligible for nomination. Prior nominees are not eligible.

Nominations must include electronic copies (Word or PDF only) of the following uploaded through the Google Forms link:

• A one-page cover letter and overview from a member of the dissertation committee 
• The nominee’s current curriculum vitae along with a title sheet showing the dissertation title, awarding institution, members of the dissertation committee, date of completion of the degree, and nominee’s current contact information; and
• A summary of the dissertation written in APA style (double-spaced, 12-point font, etc.) that does not exceed 10-15 pages total--not counting the title page, references, and appendices.