Center for Catholic Education
Ohio Catholic School Educator of the Year: Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith) Award
The Lumen Fidei award is sponsored by the University of Dayton's Center for Catholic Education and honors an outstanding educator in a Catholic school in Ohio. Nominations are accepted until November 15 and the award is presented in late March or early April.
Linda Dintaman, right, is a theology teacher of 39 years at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering and the winner of the inaugural Lumen Fidei award in 2023. She is pictured here with her nominator.
Maggie Banker Taul, left, has taught science and religion at Cardinal Pacelli School/Our Lord Christ the King Church for over 20 years. She is pictured here with her nominator and the student artist whose photograph was selected to be part of the prize.
Nominate an Educator
Nominate an educator for the Lumen Fidei award. The form will open in a new tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand the sections below to learn more about the nomination process for the Lumen Fidei award.
Any full time, licensed teacher who has served a minimum of five years in an Ohio Catholic School.
- The nominee models discipleship inside and outside the classroom.
- The nominee creates a classroom environment where Catholic Social Teaching is practiced and lived especially in regard to equity and inclusion.
- The nominee demonstrates innovative teaching practices.
- The nominee integrates Catholic teaching and practices into their lessons.
- The nominee is an excellent teacher who creates a positive and respectful learning environment, shows enthusiasm for their subject matter using a variety of teaching strategies to address a variety of learners, engages the students in critical thinking and inspires students to learn more.
- The nominator may also include information on the nominee's involvement in other co-curricular activities.
- The nominator may also include information on the nominee's contribution to the larger community.
Any parent, teacher, student, former student or administrator can nominate a teacher.
Complete the nomination form below by November 15, 2024.
You must provide at least two brief reference quotes from other teachers, principals, parents, current or former students in support of the nominee. Full letters of reference are not needed and should not be included.
The teacher will receive $1,000 along with a plaque and the opportunity to be recognized at a banquet held at the University of Dayton in the spring of 2025.
All nominations must be received by November 15, 2024.
Nomination forms will be reviewed by a committee and the winner will be publicly announced on February 1, 2025. The awardee and those who did not win will be notified prior to February 1 and the nomination form will be shared with them without the nominator's name so they can know how much they are appreciated.