Every year the DoDEA "Teacher of the Year" honors educators that have made an exceptional difference in the lives of their students and provided inspiration to their peers.

The purpose of the DoDEA Teacher of the Year program is to recognize and promote excellence in education. Teachers may be nominated by a peer, administrator, parent, or student. Nominees complete application packets, which are then submitted to the appropriate DoDEA District Office where a panel assembled by the District Superintendent selects the District Teacher of the Year. A second panel assembled at DoDEA Headquarters then selects the DoDEA Teacher of the Year from the candidates submitted by each district. The DoDEA Teacher of the Year competes for the title of the National Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year program encourages teachers to take an active part in educational leadership. As outstanding educators, selectees perform a variety of roles. They promote the teaching profession, and work with school officials to enhance the quality of teaching and the education of young people in DoDEA.

Nominated teachers complete an application packet consisting of nine components including a professional biography, list of community involvement, a philosophy of teaching, an essay on the teaching profession and major public education issues, and a videotape presentation. Each component has a designated point value from 5 to 25, for a total of 135 points. Teacher selection is based upon an application's total point value following a telephonic interview with top candidates.

Slideshows

• To view the 2010 Pentagon Ceremony Honors Top Teachers Slideshow