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.
A candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year (OTOY) is eligible to apply if they hold a valid Ohio Professional Teaching License or a Career Technical Teaching License; currently completing their tenth year or more of teaching; working a minimum of 120 days in the current school year; employed full-time in a state-approved public school, community school or career-technical center.
Candidates also must work directly with students at least 50 percent of the time, have received no previous Ohio Teacher of the Year recognition, and plan to continue as an active teacher.
The Ohio Teacher of the Year candidate has the respect and admiration of their colleagues and:
- Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
- Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
- Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
- Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning; and
- Expresses themselves in an engaging and clear way.
Nominate an Outstanding Ohio Teacher
Nominations are open in February and March of each year.
More than an award, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program elevates the teaching profession by identifying exceptional teachers, celebrating their effective, inspiring work both inside and outside of the classroom, and providing opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and advocacy.
A candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year (OTOY) is eligible to apply if they hold a valid Ohio Professional Teaching License; currently completing their tenth year or more of teaching; working a minimum of 120 days in the current school year; employed full-time in a state-approved public school, community school or career-technical center. Candidates also must work directly with students at least 50 percent of the time, have received no previous Ohio Teacher of the Year recognition, and plan to continue in active teaching status.
Anyone may nominate a teacher. School administrators, colleagues, community members, parents, or students may submit a nomination for one or multiple teachers from a district or school building. (Self-nominations are not accepted)
How to Submit an Online Nomination
Collect all of the required information below before attempting to submit your nomination.
Required Nomination Information:
- Contact information for the teacher nominee
- Contact district and superintendent information
- School building and principal information
- Ohio County where the school is located
- The State Board of Education District Number:
Use the Ohio Secretary of State website and enter the school building address or your home address if it is in the same community as the school in the space provided. A list of voting districts will pop up. Choose the “Board of Education District”.
*If you are a community school, please contact [email protected] to help confirm your information.
- Your full name & email
- A detailed nomination narrative. The narrative you submit will be shared with the nominee