Submissions are currently being accepted online for the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon's 2019 Theatre Education Award, honoring K–12 theatre educators of an accredited institution or recognized community theatre organization. Everyone, including students, parents, family, colleagues, and administration, is invited to submit teachers for consideration now through February 15, 2019, at TonyAwards.com.

A panel comprised of members of the American Theatre Wing, the Broadway League, and Carnegie Mellon University—as well as leaders from the theatre industry—will select an honoree from the submissions, to be presented with the award at the 73rd annual Tony Awards June 9, 2019. The winner will also receive a cash grant for their school, flight and accommodations to New York City, and a pair of tickets to the Tony Awards ceremony and gala. The winning teacher's students will receive a master class presentation from Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama, as well as two scholarships to CMU's School of Drama Pre-college program for summer 2020.

The award has been given annually since 2014. Melody Herzfeld, drama teacher at Parkland, Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, received the honor at the 2018 ceremony.

“For the past five years, we have had the unique opportunity to recognize educators who are inspiring and mentoring the next generation of outstanding artists with the Excellence in Theatre Education Award,” said Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Each year, we are amazed by the teachers featured in the submission process, and we cannot wait to see what next year brings.”

“Carnegie Mellon is delighted to recognize exemplary teachers who are preparing our young people for the next steps of their education and, ultimately, their professional experiences,” said Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian. “One of our founder’s greatest beliefs was in the power of arts education, and this award proudly continues Andrew Carnegie’s legacy, shining a national spotlight on the vital role theatre educators play in helping students embrace their creativity. This five-year milestone is particularly rewarding for us and our Tony partners, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”