Background 

The classroom teacher is the backbone of the American education system.  No one person has a greater impact on the education of a child than does the teacher who creates the primary learning and instructional environment.  It is the mission of the National Teacher of the Year Program to honor our nation’s greatest teachers while providing rigorous professional learning for teachers to be leaders and advocates. 

 The National Teacher of the Year Program has been run by the Council of Chief State School Officers since 1952. 

 Every state may nominate a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. The National Teacher is released from classroom duties during the year of recognition to serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the entire teaching profession.  The National Teacher of the Year maintains a full schedule of speaking engagements throughout the country, and increasingly the world, before a variety of education, community, and business groups. 

Nomination 

Each Chief State School Officer is invited to nominate a candidate from his or her jurisdiction. The method and materials used to select the state candidate may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but we recommend that states use the National Teacher of the Year Program Guidelines at the state level for ease when completing the national application. 

Criteria 

A candidate for National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) is a State Teacher of the Year in a state-approved or accredited school; Pre-Kindergarten through grade twelve, who is planning to continue in an active teaching status.^  

The National Teacher of the Year candidate has the respect and admiration of their colleagues and: 

1. Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.  

2. Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success. 

3. Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large. 

4. Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.

5. Expresses themselves in an engaging and clear way. 

The Role of the NTOY 

CCSSO works closely with each National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) to develop a year of engagements that are meaningful and impactful. We schedule events and provide counsel to find activities aligned to the interests of the NTOY, while holding in regard longstanding relationships and events. CCSSO does not direct what the NTOY does or says, even when the national teacher’s opinions may differ from our organization or state membership.  

It is important to note that the National Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador for education across the nation, including all teachers and students. As such, he/she abstains from endorsements of any kind until their year as NTOY (June – July) is complete. 

Selection 

A National Selection Committee selects four finalists from the nominations received.  The finalists participate in individual interviews with the committee in Washington, D.C. The National Selection Committee is composed of representatives from 15 - 20 national education organizations.  

If a state's candidate is selected as the National Teacher of the Year, the Chief State School Officer and the teacher will be notified, on a confidential basis, several weeks in advance of the public announcement. The three finalists not selected and their Chief State School Officers will receive confidential notification at the same time.   

Timeline 

*This is a general recommendation, but this can happen up until the online submission window closes. 

**Applications will only be reviewed if they are submitted in their entirety. Please build in adequate time for your Teacher of the Year to review and revise their application for the national level.