Reed Announces 2009 Teacher of the Year Finalists

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Friday, August 22, 2008, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed announced 10 finalists for Indiana’s 2009 Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding teachers from the state’s public and accredited nonpublic schools.

“Teachers are working hard every day to improve student achievement,” Dr. Reed said. “These 10 individuals are among our best and the brightest, and their hard work and dedication represent a fitting tribute to the profession.”

The Teacher of the Year program is open to all licensed classroom teachers who intend to remain active in the teaching field. Nominations for the program are requested each year from all local school superintendents and accredited nonpublic school officials.

School officials are asked to nominate one teacher by submitting a portfolio in which the teacher's exceptional qualities and accomplishments are described by current and former students, colleagues, supervisors and friends from their communities.

Local school superintendents nominated 63 public and nonpublic educators as the 2009 Indiana Teacher of the Year. All nominees will be honored November 5, 2008, at the Hilton Indianapolis North at a dinner hosted by the Indiana Department of Education and the program's corporate sponsors – Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. and the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

The 10 finalists were selected based on criteria that include a concern for students, the ability to inspire learning and an ability and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues. Each of the finalists will be interviewed on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 by a committee comprised of Indiana Department of Education personnel as well as external community and education leaders – including former teachers of the year.

The winner, who will be announced in mid-to-late September, will represent Indiana at the national Teacher of the Year competition in Washington, D.C., in the spring and receive prizes including $1,000 and a portfolio from Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., Farm Bureau Insurance Sabbatical/Higher Education Scholarship Opportunities, a framed certificate and an Indiana Teacher of the Year pin and ring.

The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the ING Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Visit www.doe.in.gov/toy for more information.

Source: Indiana DOE Press Release