Posted February 17, 2006

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is calling for regional nominations for the 2007 Teacher of the Year program. The deadline for school districts to submit their nominations to their respective Nominate outstanding educators for Teacher of the Year school districts is May 31.

Districts may select up to two current, full-time educators who plan to continue teaching. The process for selecting nominees, including the selection committee, criteria and application is up to the individual school districts. A broad-based selection process that includes input from administrators, parents, students and representatives from local education associations is encouraged.

One nominee will be chosen by each ESD in August, resulting in nine regional finalists who will compete for the state title and represent their region in Teacher of the Year activities.

The 2007 Washington Teacher of the Year will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year program. The recipient will receive a $6,000 award; special training by the Council of Chief State School Officers and Scholastic, Inc.; a week at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama; and three days in Washington, D.C. The National Teacher of the Year will receive a one-year sabbatical to serve as a spokesperson for teachers and educators nationwide.

The 2006 Washington Teacher of the Year, Susan Barnard of Shelton’s CHOICE Alternative School, is currently one of four finalists for the national award. To download a Teacher of the Year nomination form or get more information about the program, visit www.k12.wa.us/BulletinsMemos and download bulletin B006-06.

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