Participation in the National Teacher of the Year Program is available through your State Teacher of the Year Program. Each year the 50 states, 5 U.S. extra-state jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools name a State Teacher of the Year. Within the states the selection processes vary, but each state conducts a rigorous selection procedure in validating the State Teacher of the Year's abilities in the classroom and in communicating the recipient's message to a broad audience. The National Teacher is selected from this group. Contact your local State Teacher of the Year Program Coordinator or for additional information, please contact Andy Drewlinger at the National Teacher of the Year Program by e-mail at andyd@ccsso.org or telephone at 202-336-7011.

Selection Process

At the national level each state candidate submits a written application containing biographical and professional information, eight essays on topics ranging from personal teaching philosophy to the issues facing education, and letters of endorsement. A National Selection Committee, composed of representatives from 14 national education organizations, meets in early December to choose four finalists from the nominations received, and following personal interviews with the finalists in Washington, D.C. in late February selects the National Teacher. In the spring, the National Teacher is introduced to the nation by the President and honored in a series of events in Washington, D.C.

Criteria for Selection

A candidate for National Teacher of the Year should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher in any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, who is planning to continue in an active teaching status. Criteria for selection include: