The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) would like to recognize exemplary teachers in your school district through the 2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Program (KTOY), which awards cash prizes, professional development opportunities, and other recognitions to 24 teachers in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the Commonwealth.
While all nominations are valued, it is especially important that we make a conscious effort to recommend educators who reflect the complexion of today's diverse classrooms. This award not only recognizes the profession, but promotes its widespread appeal to aspiring educators whose backgrounds and experiences will serve as role models to students of all nationalities.
Throughout the end of May, KDE will contact teachers who have been nominated for this prestigious award. The program will be publicized through advertisements, web sites, press releases, letters and emails that will reach all segments of the population.
Please take a moment to review the 2009 KYTOY nomination form at www.kentuckytoy.com. Nominations are open to the public and require the teacher's name, school district and a one-sentence response to why the teacher should be considered for this honor.
Program guidelines maintain that:
Any classroom teacher with three years of teaching experience may apply.
Twenty-four regional candidates will be selected to receive Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards of $500.
Elementary, Middle and High School Teachers of the Year will be selected - one of whom will be named the 2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.
The 2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year will receive the Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Award, a cash gift of $10,000 from Ashland Inc., a professional development/sabbatical opportunity sponsored by KDE and a memento.
The two other finalists will receive Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards of $3,000 and a crystal memento.
All 24 teachers and their guests will be honored at a luncheon.
The deadline for completed applications is May 15, 2008. Nominations may be returned through the website, or faxed to the attention of Donna Pace Melton at 502/564-6952, or mailed in care of the 2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Program, 500 Mero Street, Room 1715, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. KDE will provide the nominated teacher with the web link for the 2009 application.
I am excited about the elevation of the Kentucky Teacher of the Year Program and the benefits it provides for classroom teachers. Please take this opportunity to nominate one or more teachers and to share this nomination form with your district.