One nominee per state is accepted for this award, and the nominee must be endorsed by the state association office. Criteria for evaluation include: organization and continuance of an activity program, significant and ongoing contributions to the field, years of both curricular and co-curricular service, contributions to the profession both in and out of the state.

The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time during the 2022-23 school year, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award.

Read more about all of the most recent awardees here.