Each year three exceptional teachers are recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics—at least half of the school day in a classroom environment—and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively.                            

The VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (Teacher of the Year) include the following items:
$1,000 award to the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade teachers for professional development expenses.
$1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school.
Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.
An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference and receive their award.

WHO SHOULD BE NOMINATED:
Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for the award.

If you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall, organizes community volunteer projects or invites local veterans to speak in class, anything to help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs, this award is for them.

HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION:

NOMINATION SUBMITTED TO POST BY OCTOBER 31

Step 1: In 350 words or less, describe why you feel your nominee is deserving of the award. Be sure to describe the teacher’s innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his or her dedication to education.

Step 2: Complete the  Teacher of the year form "Coming soon!)

Step 3: Submit the nomination form along with your explanation to your local VFW Post by October 31.   

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:
Based on the nominees submitted, VFW’s local Posts – will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts then submit the winning names to the District-level judging. From there, the selected winners are forwarded to the Department-level (state-level). once they are judged on the state level, the winners are passed along to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.