Instructor of the Year

IaSFSI
Instructor On the Year

Floyd Wm. “Bill” Nelson Instructor of the Year Award

Honoring excellence in instruction and leadership within the Iowa fire service.

This prestigious award recognizes an instructor who exemplifies the highest standards of fire service education and leadership. The recipient demonstrates exceptional dedication, professionalism, and influence in advancing firefighter training and safety. This award honors an instructor whose contributions have significantly elevated instructional quality, inspired others, and strengthened the fire service community across Iowa.

Eligibility

Certified fire service instructor in good standing.
Demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership in fire service education.
Nominees MUST be an active member of the Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructors and an active or retired Fire Service Instructor in Iowa.

Nomination Criteria

Consistently delivers high-quality, impactful training programs.
Demonstrates leadership and mentorship within the instructional community.
Contributes to the advancement of firefighter safety, education, and professional standards.
Serves as a role model for integrity, professionalism, and dedication to the fire service.
Has made a significant, positive impact on the fire service at the local, regional, or state level.

Up-and-Coming Instructor of the Year

Recognizing rising stars who are shaping the future of fire service instruction.

This award honors a certified fire service instructor in their first four years of certification who has demonstrated exceptional initiative and impact early in their instructional career. The recipient is someone who has “hit the ground running,” showing strong dedication to firefighter education, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to improving training standards.

Eligibility

Certified fire service instructor within their first four years of certification.
Actively engaged in delivering training and education to firefighters.
Does NOT need to be a member of the Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructors

Nomination Criteria

Demonstrates outstanding enthusiasm and professionalism in teaching.
Has made a noticeable difference in their department, region, or the fire service community.
Shows initiative through innovative training methods, curriculum development, or mentoring.
Exhibits leadership qualities and a passion for improving firefighter safety and education.

Most Impactful Instructor of the Year

Celebrating instructors whose influence goes beyond the lesson—shaping careers, lives, and the fire service. This award honors a fire service instructor who has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the fire service or on individual students. The recipient demonstrates exceptional dedication to teaching and mentoring, going beyond technical instruction to inspire growth, confidence, and professionalism. Their influence is felt not only in the classroom but in the lives and careers of those they teach, leaving a legacy of excellence and commitment to firefighter safety and education.

Eligibility

Certified fire service instructor (no minimum or maximum years of experience).
Actively engaged in delivering training and education to firefighters.
Does not need to be a member of the Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructors

Nomination Criteria

Has made a significant, lasting impact on the fire service or individual students.
Demonstrates exceptional mentorship and leadership qualities.
Inspires others through professionalism, passion, and dedication to firefighter safety and education.
Contributes to the advancement of training standards, culture, or community engagement.