awards

Distinguished Fieldwork Educator Award

Established in 2015, this award recognizes an occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA) who has demonstrated excellence in clinical education as a fieldwork educator in Level I or Level II fieldwork experiences for
occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant students.


Description and purpose

  • To recognize an occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA) who has demonstrated excellence in clinical education as a Fieldwork Educator in Level I or Level II fieldwork experiences for occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant students.
  • To provide incentive for occupational therapy practitioners to further develop professional knowledge and skills through fieldwork education.

Minimal requirements

  • The nominee shall have at least a five-year history of providing consistent fieldwork education to OT/OTA students.
  • The nominee(s) shall exemplify leadership in fieldwork education in six or more of the following categories:
    • Works in collaboration with the academic institution/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator to structure fieldwork experiences specific to the individual learning needs of students.
    • Uses creative and innovative supervision models that effectively support the demand for fieldwork education.
    • Provides fieldwork experiences in creative and innovative practice settings to effectively support the demand for fieldwork education.
    • Participates in continuing education related to supervision, teaching, and evaluation of learning or mentoring with a commitment to remaining current with the content of the entry-level curriculum and developments in the field.
    • Collaborates proactively with other professionals, serving as a team member role model, and provides students with experiences outside of occupational therapy but within the clinical/professional/community setting.
    • Contributes to occupational therapy beyond the fieldwork site, such as conducting in-services, guest lecturing at an occupational therapy academic institution, assisting with admission interviews, etc.
    • Serves as a positive role model and encourages fieldwork student engagement and participation within professional associations.
    • Promotes evidence-based practice within fieldwork experiences, including assessment and intervention.

Specific information regarding award

  • One fieldwork educator who is an OT and one fieldwork educator who is an OTA will be recognized per year.