Teacher of the Year deadline extended

Area residents now have until Monday, May 11, to nominate an outstanding educator for the state’s top teaching honor, Teacher of the Year.

“It’s hard to overstate the disruption to Idaho schools and families caused by the coronavirus pandemic since we announced the 2021 nomination process six weeks ago,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Friday. “And once again we’re seeing teachers across our state going above and beyond the call of duty during this crisis. So we’re bumping back the deadline by two weeks and reminding folks of this opportunity to recognize the passionate, talented teachers who have made indelible impacts on their lives and communities.

“We’ve received a great many nominations already, but this is the first year we’re allowing nominations from the general public, and we want to make sure everyone who wants to participate can participate,” Superintendent Ybarra said.

“The process is easy: Just go to www.sde.idaho.gov/toy and fill out the online nomination form. And please feel free to share that link on social media pages.”

After the May 11 deadline, Superintendent Ybarra will notify nominated teachers, who will have until June 15 to apply for the honor. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and the winning teacher will be announced in September during a surprise visit to their school.

The 2021 Teacher of the Year will receive a cash award and travel across Idaho talking with other teachers, legislators and policymakers about education in our state. She or he will serve as Idaho’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year and will travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring to meet with other state winners, the President of the United States, and other leaders.

Idaho’s 2020 Teacher of the Year is Stacie Lawler, a health and physical education teacher from Spirit Lake who is a leading advocate for mental health and social-emotional learning.