Selection Process

Eligibility Requirements for District/DoDEA Teacher of the Year: (* from National Teacher of the Year Program)

• *Must have the respect and admiration of colleagues and:
  • Be an expert in his/her field who guides 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 at large
  • Demonstrate leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning
  • Express him/herself in an engaging and articulate way
• Must have completed three full years as a DoDEA teacher
• Must be willing to represent the organization in a way that brings honor to the profession
• Must be willing to represent DoDEA's Mission: to educate, empower, and engage all students

Expectations for those selected as District Teachers of the Year:

• Participation in face-to-face or online professional learning sessions related to teacher leadership
• Creation of an action plan that will be used to develop leadership practices in your school or district. This action plan will be used to document your activities throughout your year of recognition

Teachers of the Year should

• Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
• Be a 21st Century teacher and learner
• Have the respect and admiration of student, parents, and colleagues
• Play an active role in the community as well as the school
• Be poised and articulate with excellent written and oral skills
• Be able to provide presentations and workshops to varied audiences in his or her area of expertise
• Possess the energy to withstand a busy schedule

Expectations for the DoDEA Teacher of the Year:

• Participation in face-to-face or online professional learning sessions related to teacher leadership
• Creation of an action plan that will be used to develop leadership practices in your school or district. This action plan will be used to document your activities throughout your year of recognition
• Development of a semester-long sabbatical project, in collaboration with DoDEA HQ Leadership and Teacher of the Year POC

Selection Panel

A panel of DoDEA stakeholders will evaluate the applications during the selection process at the District and Headquarters (HQ) level. At the HQ level, an Interview Panel will interview the top three to five candidates recommended by the HQ level Selection Panel.