Teacher of the Year Selection Process and Timeline

Nominations for Teacher of the Year can come from superintendents, principals, colleagues (present or former), parents of students, students (present or former) or other community members who have direct contact with the teacher. Each qualified nominated teacher is eligible to submit an application to the Department of Education for consideration as New Hampshire Teacher of the Year (TOY). The TOY Selection Committee, comprised of the First Lady of the state, Former Teachers of the Year (previous 2 years), Deputy Commissioner of Education or designee, a U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate, a local business representative and NH Teacher of the Year Coordinator, reviews each application and identifies semi-finalists. The semi-finalists make a formal presentation and/or speech on a pre-assigned topic regarding education and respond to questions as part of an interview process with the committee. The committee will then choose at least 3 finalists. In the fall, the committee will visit the finalists' schools where they observe the teacher in class, interview school personal, community members, parents and students, as well as the finalist. The committee then meets and selects the NH Teacher of the Year.

A Teacher of the Year candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled classroom teacher from any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who is certified in the State of NH, demonstrates leadership and intends to continue in the teaching profession. They must be poised, articulate, and possess the energy to work under a taxing schedule. The New Hampshire Teacher of the Year carries out his/her duties while maintaining a full classroom load.

The Department of Education not only administers and presents awards to recognize leadership in education, these national and statewide awards build community awareness of our educators while providing positive messages about the teaching profession as a whole. The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is capable of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide.

The Teacher of the Year Program does not attempt to single out any individual as the best teacher in New Hampshire, but rather to honor one teacher who represents all the excellent teachers in our State. Selecting a Teacher of the Year is an exceptional way to celebrate the many outstanding and dedicated people teaching in New Hampshire schools.

The National Teacher of the Year program, run by the Council of Chief State School Officers and presented by Voya Financial, identifies exceptional teachers in the country, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, amplifies their voices, and empowers them to participate in policy discussions at the state and national levels.

Timeline for 2025 Teacher of the Year

All dates are in 2024

February 2 - 2025 Nominations close

February 5 - Applications sent to nominated teachers

March 21 - Applications due

April/May - Recognition event for applicants with the selection committee. Committee selects semi-finalists

July/August - Oral presentations of semi-finalists, finalists selected

September - School visits of finalists

October - Announcement of 2025 Teacher of the Year

Contact

Stacey MacStravic

Recognition and Award Programs Coordinator
New Hampshire Department of Education
Stacey.A.MacStravic1@doe.nh.gov