Since its inception in 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom. The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for professional learning to exemplary teachers as leaders and advocates for public education.
Selected teachers move through two levels of recognition: (1) the State Board District Teacher of the Year as a regional recognition and (2) the Ohio Teacher of the Year as the state-level recognition.
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program is a two-year opportunity:
- Year 1 – Recognition, Celebration and Professional Development
- Year 2 – Service to Ohio as a Teacher Fellow at the Department
Who is eligible?
A candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year (OTOY) is eligible to apply as a licensed Ohio educator with a minimum of five years of teaching experience currently employed in a state-approved public school (pre-kindergarten through grade twelve), community school or career center working directly with students a minimum of 50% of their contracted time; who has not been a previous regional or state OTOY honoree and, who is planning to continue in an active teaching status.
Ohio Teacher of the Year candidates have the respect and admiration of their colleagues and:
- Are experts in their fields who guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence;
- Collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success;
- Deliberately connect the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community;
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom that embodies lifelong learning; and
- Express themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
How do I nominate a teacher?
February 4 – April 5, 2019: Open online nomination period for the 2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year.
School administrators, colleagues, community members, parents or students may submit a nomination for an outstanding teacher.
