Information Via the NH Department of Education Website:

The Nomination Process for the 2014 NH Teacher of the Year Has Begun.

Superintendents, principals, teachers, school staff members, teacher organizations, parents, and others interested in New Hampshire schools are encouraged to nominate an outstanding teacher by submitting their request to the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Heidi Welch, a music teacher at Hillsboro-Deering High School, was one of four national finalists in 2013. Will a Nashua teacher rise to the top for 2014? Well, that's up to you, to make sure you nominate a teacher who fits the bill.

Selecting a Teacher of the Year is an exceptional way to celebrate the many outstanding and dedicated people teaching in New Hampshire schools. The nomination should be made early enough, but no later than February 14, 2013, to ensure that the nominated teacher is given enough time to thoroughly prepare an application that reflects exemplary teaching prior to the application deadline. Nominees must submit their applications to the NH DOE by March 19, 2013. All nominees who submit the required information will be honored at a ceremony in April.

• Application
• 2014 NH Teacher of the Year Selection Timeline
• NH Teacher of the Year Program
• NH Teacher of the Year Process
• Opportunities as NH Teacher of the Year

Each year, New Hampshire schools take part in the State and National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the ING Foundation and Target, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the University of Phoenix Foundation and People to People Ambassador Programs. The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. In New Hampshire, Hannaford Supermarkets is proud to partner with the Department of Education to sponsor the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year program.

A Teacher of the Year candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled person from any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who intends to continue in the teaching profession. The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is worthy of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession, and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide.

About the National Teacher of the Year Program:
The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The NTOY Program began in 1952 and is the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The NTOY is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing 15 major national education organizations. The President of the United States recognizes the National Teacher each year in a White House ceremony.

Becoming National Teacher of the Year
Every year states each select a state teacher of the year to participate in the National Teacher of the Year Program. At the national level each State Teacher of the Year 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. The National Selection Committee meets in early December to choose four finalists. The selection Committee then personally interviews each finalist and selects the National Teacher of the Year. In April the National Teacher will be announced by CCSSO.

Duties of the National Teacher
During the official year of recognition, the NTOY is released from classroom duties to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. The NTOY may be called upon to represent American educators to audiences in other nations. NTOYs are frequently requested to sit on national and state commissions and policy advising bodies.

More information about the Teacher of the Year Program can be found at www.education.nh.gov/recognition/toy.htm.