The overarching priority of the Kapteyn Prize is to recognize classroom teachers who serve their students in multiple capacities within a secondary school community. A Kapteyn Prize candidate must be first and foremost a classroom teacher of exemplary character, who specializes in a curricular discipline, including those in the visual and performing arts, and technology and agricultural arts. A candidate must also serve his or her students in other important roles within this school community, guiding students in their roles as coaches, advisors, tutors and administrators, art directors, or as dormitory parents.

Winners are expected to use the money to enrich themselves as individuals and thereby as teachers, to stimulate and nourish their own intellects and sensibilities through new experience, for example, study or travel. 

The committee selects the candidate who best meets the vision of the fund and uses the following criteria in its review:

• Exhibits exemplary character, integrity, honor, and leadership
• Serves their classroom students in multiple capacities within the shared school community
• Teaches and guides students by igniting a lifelong love of learning and commitment to personal growth
• Engages the fullest potential of a student’s developmental trajectories to foster cognitive, social, emotional and physical wellness

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

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