What is MELA?

The Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards (MELA) were created to recognize Title I Minneapolis Public School District educators, principals, paraprofessionals, and support staff working consistently with students in a school, for their leadership outside their classroom or defined job duties.  MELA recognizes and elevates hardworking professionals diligently educating our children, who often do not get the credit they deserve. Each honoree receives funds for creative school projects that impact student achievement, go above and beyond to better the lives of students outside the classroom and improve our school communities.

The MELA nomination and selection process is entirely teacher driven. Candidates for the award are nominated by their peers, students, parents, or anyone who admires their work as educators. Finalists are selected by a committee of teachers, administrators, and support staff actively working in MPS. After their selection, finalists are invited to complete a proposal with MELA partner Achieve Twin Cities for up to $10,000 in funding for a one- or two-year grant for their creative project at their school. The committee determines who receives up to $75,000 in grants each year.

Nominate an Educator

MELA starts with nominations from peers, students, parents or community members for educators who go the extra mile for students. Nominations open in the fall of each year. Nominate an educator here.

Nominee Finalists

After nominations close in January, finalists are chosen by the MELA committee. These finalists are then invited to submit a proposal for a creative project that would make an impact in their school community for the coming year.

MELA Award Reception

After MELA grant recipients are selected, Graves Foundation hosts a community award reception for recipients and their principals, school district administrators, elected officials and community members. The event highlights reach recipient’s MELA project and celebrates their outstanding work. 

MELA Grant Implementation

In accepting the Minneapolis Educator Leadership Award grant, each recipient agrees to use the funds as described in their submitted proposal. The Graves Family Foundation will check in throughout the school year with award recipients to demonstrate their grant-funded program’s success. Updates will be shared with the greater Minneapolis community through this website.

The Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards is a program of the John & Denise Graves Foundation in partnership with Achieve Twin Cities.