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Whether you’re a student who’s learned from a great teacher, a colleague, a parent, or an interested member of the community, here’s your chance to recognize an exemplary Maine teacher. 

Who Can Nominate?

Teachers can be nominated by a student, parent of a student, co-worker, administrator, school or district committee, friend or community member. To be considered for the award and continue on with the TOY process, teacher candidates must submit written material to a Review Panel.

For Candidates

If you’ve you been nominated for County Teacher of the Year, click here to learn more about the process, what is required, key deadlines, and what to expect.

Nominate a Teacher in Your County

We are accepting nominations for 2020 County Teachers of the Year!  Who will you nominate?

nominate 

 Eligibility:

To be considered for the County and Maine Teacher of the Year award, a person must:

  • Hold the appropriate professional certification for your position
  • Be employed by a Maine public school, including a public charter school, career and technical center, or a publicly supported secondary school (a private school that enrolls 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as "town academies"); 
  • Be actively teaching students at least 50% of full-time at the time of nomination and during the year of recognition;
    • Teacher” means a person who provides classroom instruction to students in a general education, special education or career and technical education program. It does not include adult education instructors or persons defined as “educational specialists” in State Board of Education Rule Chapter 115, section 2.20. 
  • Have been teaching for a minimum of five years - three of which are in Maine
  • Remain teaching in the County for which you are selected during year of recognition

The candidate should:

  • Be exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and knowledgeable
  • Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
  • Have the respect of students, parents, and colleagues
  • Play an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school
  • Be an articulate spokesperson who can communicate the issues and concerns of the classroom teacher to a wide variety of audiences, especially to other teachers
  • Possess the energy to withstand a taxing schedule
  • Be aware and informed of current educational reform issues
  • Be committed to quality education for all students

Criteria for Teacher of the Year: 

  • The teacher has the respect and admiration of their colleagues.
  • The teacher is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
  • The teacher collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
  • The teacher deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
  • The teacher demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.
  • The teacher communicates in an engaging and articulate
  • The State Teacher of the Year must be willing and prepared to spend up to 40 days away from the classroom in public speaking and other commitments. (County TOYs may have to spend 3-5 days away.)

Note:  Teachers who have been named a County Teacher of the Year are eligible 5 years after the completion of their year of recognition.