Time to start planning for District Teacher of the Year awards

It’s a new year, and that means it will soon be time to select your district’s next Teacher of the Year. If you haven’t already begun, now is the time to start seeking nominations for this prestigious honor.

A school district can determine its own method for selecting an award winner, but nomination forms should be made available to teachers, parents, students, school support professionals and the general public through multiple avenues and formats.

All district-level Teachers of the Year will be considered at the regional level, and ultimately, one of the six regional finalists will become South Dakota’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. In order to be considered for the regional Teacher of the Year award, your district’s honoree must have his or her application on file with your respective Education Service Agency by its designated deadline.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, a nomination form and sample guidelines, visit the teacher of the year webpage. For further assistance, contact Lanette Johnston at the Department of Education.