NC Teacher of the Year Program Goals
Tab/Accordion Items
The goals of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program are:
- To recognize and honor teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching
- To recruit a quality and diverse cadre of teachers
- To model best practices in teaching
- To communicate and impact educational issues and policies
- To build effective partnerships
- To advance a communication network among teachers
Contact
Elizabeth Santamour, NC DPI’s Educator Recognition Coordinator: elizabeth.santamour@dpi.nc.gov
Eligibility
To be eligible for selection as a Teacher of the Year, a person must hold a Standard Professional 2 (SP2) license, be employed full time and spend at least 70% of his or her time in direct instruction of North Carolina public school students. (North Carolina State Board of Education Policy, March 2008)
| Month | Local Process |
|---|---|
| May - August | Teacher of the Year Nominations Submitted. Upon submission, Teacher of the Year Portfolio emailed to Public School Units (Districts and Charters) Teachers of the Year (copied to TOY Coordinators) |
| September | Teachers of the Year submit the Teacher of the Year Portfolio to NC DPI’s Educator Recognition Coordinator. NOTE: Specific deadlines for submission will be shared with coordinators and PSU Teachers of the Year. Submissions must be sent electronically as one complete PDF document, including a copy of their current license. Portfolios received after submission deadlines will not be processed unless there are extenuating circumstances. |
| Regional Process | |
|---|---|
| September - October | TOY portfolios are assessed and interviews are conducted. Six regional semi-finalists are selected |
| October - November | Virtual interviews for six regional semi-finalists which leads to the selection of two regional finalists |
| October - November | On-site school visits are held for two regional finalists |
| January | NCDPI announces the Regional Teachers of the Year |
| State Process | |
|---|---|
| January - March | Nine Regional TOYs participate in the state selection process |
| April | State Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony (**winner remains confidential until announced at this event**) |
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Educator Support Services Responsibilities of Regional Principals and Teachers of the Year
Advocacy and Outreach
- Share knowledge of agency initiatives throughout your region
- Employ innovative advocacy strategies with stakeholders in your region
- Build a learning network in your region in collaboration with state agency leaders
- Influence policies regionally and statewide
- Participate in statewide conferences and events
- Assist in planning and execution of future Principals/Teachers of the Year ceremonies
- Use social media to help advance the goals of the state’s regional workgroups
- Represent educators by serving on various boards and/or committees
Teacher/Principal Leadership
- Support beginning teachers and new principals in their new roles
- Share expertise with stakeholders from district/school perspectives
- Model accomplished and distinguished classroom/school behavior
- Strive to grow professionally
Regional Councils
- Serve on the state’s Educator Quality Workgroups
- Be prepared to communicate with teachers interested in employment in NC by region
- Meet with key leaders in your region
- Connect with former and current peers
- Establish communication and feedback loops in your region
Other duties:
- Work to grow sponsorship of NC’s recognition programs
- Serve as an ambassador for NC’s leadership recognition programs at conferences and statewide meetings
- Participate in professional development activities sponsored by NCDPI
*And other opportunities as assigned by the Educator Support Services Division at NCDPI.
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