Applications for EBD awards open
Who might receive an award for travel to a conference on EBD?
The Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health is soliciting applications for grants and awards. A couple of them are named in honor of folks you may see hanging around in the comments section or mentioned in posts here on Special Education Today. Here are some quick notes about a few of those that are open as of the date of this post (21 July 2025).1
Here are photos of John Umbreit (l) and Mike Nelson (r) who are regular readers of SET and after whom two of the awards are named. It’s really nice to have them hanging about here on SET and, for me personally, it’s wonderful to see a couple of my pals honored by having the awards named for them.
Regional Teacher of the Year Award
The purpose of this award is to honor an outstanding teacher who currently works as a teacher of children or adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders based on the area or region of the annual International CEC Convention. The 2026 convention is in Salt Lake City, Utah (Utah or any surrounding states qualifies for the region). The individual should be nominated by someone who is familiar with the nature and quality of their work, and who can also speak to the person’s character and their impact on the lives of students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. The recipient will receive $500, free registration to the CEC convention, and one night hotel stay. The award will be presented to the recipient at the CEC Luncheon.Nomination for 2026 DEBH Teacher of the Year
Completed applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025
Dr. C. Michael Nelson Professional Development Grant
The purpose of this grant is to encourage the professional development of all persons involved in providing education or related services to children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) consistent with the mission of DEBH. The Foundation will provide funding up to $500 to enable practitioners to attend professional development activities that are supported by DEBH (e.g., TECBD, CEC conferences).
Professional Development Grant Application
Two opportunities: Completed applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025 or April 1, 2026
John Umbreit Doctoral Research Award (JUDRA)
The purpose of this award is to support an outstanding doctoral student to conduct applied behavioral research in their current area of practice. Eligible applicants are those who are enrolled in an accredited doctoral program, actively engaged in applied research to support improved behavior, and have an IRB-approved (or in process) research project in their specialty area. An award of $1,000 will be presented at the annual Teacher Educators for Children with Behavior Disorders (TECBD) conference in Tempe, Arizona. Award funds are intended to support applicant research activities and/or to present their findings at professional conferences. For information on this award, email awards@debh.net
Completed applications must be submitted August 1, 2025
Dr. Frank Wood Practitioner Grant
The purpose of this grant is to recognize the professional application of knowledge and skills to improve academic, social, emotional, and community employment-based outcomes for children and youth with challenging behaviors. The DEBH Foundation will award funding of up to $500 to implement a high quality practice or program that directly serves students in their educational setting. Practitioner Grant Application
Two opportunities: Completed applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025 or April 1, 2026
Carl Fenichel Memorial Research Award
This award competition honors the memory of Carl Fenichel, who was a pioneer in the education of children with severe behavior disorders. The purpose of the competition is to promote student research in the area of children with emotional and behavioral disorders. This award will be given to students completing research projects, theses, or dissertations in the area of children with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. This includes an award of $500. Fenichel Memorial Research Award Application
Completed applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025
I’ve only listed four out of the dozen awards available. See the DEBH Web site page about its awards for additional notes about these awards, including award applications and where to send completed applications. While you are visiting that site, take advantage of the opportunity to review the many valuable resources DEBH offers.
I am a member of DEBH, but I don’t get any kickbacks or such for posting this notice about the organization’s programs.
Footnote
These are annual awards and grants, so if you can’t apply this year, you may want to apply next year. Keep up with the competitions by monitoring DEBH’s Web site.