The 2026 Catholic Award for Teachers (CAT).

The Catholic Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are currently being accepted for the 2026 Catholic Award for Teachers (CAT). These awards recognize the positive impact educators have made teaching within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Schools System. Each year, the Award Selection Committee give awards of $2,000 to each recipient, and $100 is placed in a designated endowment fund for each recipient’s school. The awards will be given at the grade school level, middle school level and high school level. Awardees will be recognized at the annual Grant Awards Luncheon in September.

Careful consideration will be given to the nominee’s demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire intellectual and spiritual development, leadership, responsibility, enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity. The nominee should be a role model in his/her professional, civic, parish and personal life.

 Please complete the: CAT Nomination Form.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for a CAT Award, a nominee must be a full-time, licensed teacher or specialist (coach, librarian, counselor, etc.), with a minimum of three years’ experience in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Schools system. Eligibility of nominees will be verified by the school principal once nomination is submitted.

Who can Nominate?

Any parent, student, faculty or staff member of a school is welcome to nominate someone for this award.

Deadline

All nominations are open Monday, January 5, 2026, and must be received by 11:59 pm Monday, April 20, 2026. Late nominations will not be considered.

How to Nominate?

Link for 2026 CAT login and application CAT Nomination Form.

To submit a completed nomination, please click on the above link.

Selection

The Award Selection Committee will review and evaluate all nomination forms according to established guidelines.

If you have questions or require additional information about completing a nomination form, please contact The Catholic Foundation at (505) 872-2901 or .

Link for 2026 CAT Verification Form (Principals only)