Members of the public can now nominate a favorite teacher for the 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year.

According to a press release from the Montana Office of Public Instruction, nomination and application forms became available Thursday.

Members of the public can fill out a simple form to nominate a teacher, according to the release. Teachers can self-nominate by filling out an application.

All current and actively-teaching Montanans who are making a positive difference in the lives of students are encouraged to apply. If nominated, the Office of Public Instruction will reach out to the nominated teacher and ask them to fill out an application.

Nomination forms are due back to the OPI by Friday, May 3, and completed applications are due by Friday, June 14. They can be emailed to MTTOY@mt.gov. Applications, nomination forms and additional information can be found on the OPI’s website at opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/Montana-Teacher-of-the-Year.

“As a teacher blessed to have spent 23 years in Billings’ classrooms, I know how crucial it is to celebrate high-quality educators who promote student success,” State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said Thursday, according to the release. “I encourage all Montana communities to join me in elevating their exceptional teachers.”

Montana’s program is part of the National Teacher of the Year Program conducted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), of which Montana’s superintendent is a member. The 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Montana in the national program.

The Montana Teacher of the Year is selected by a statewide committee of diverse education, business, government, tribal and community stakeholders, according to the release. The winner will be announced during a celebration in October.

Dylan Huisken from Bonner is currently representing Montana as the 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year.