CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education announced that it is now accepting nominations and applications for the 2021 Teacher of the Year through March 27, 2020.
 
The mission of the Nevada Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the educator workforce by recognizing exceptional teachers at the school, district, state, and national levels. Nevada’s Teachers of the Year are educational leaders, mentors, ambassadors, and representatives for Nevada’s over 27,000 educators. They inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, and have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
 
“We are proud that the Nevada Teacher of the Year program has honored exceptional educators for their dedication, service, and accomplishments both in and out of the classroom,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “As we continue our efforts to inspire future generations into careers in education, it is more important than ever to celebrate our educators. I encourage everyone to nominate an educator they admire for this statewide recognition and exciting professional learning opportunity.”
 
In addition to speaking engagements and professional learning opportunities, the 2021 Teacher of the Year will have the opportunity to serve as the Teacher Leader in Residence (TLIR) within the Nevada Department of Education. The TLIR brings increased educator voice to the Department’s daily work and helps facilitate the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Cabinet.
 
Nevada participates in the national Teacher of the Year program led by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). CCSSO brings together honorees from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Washington, D.C., and the Department of Defense Education Activity. A national winner is selected from among the state and territory honorees and all honorees participate in an induction program as well as an advocacy week in Washington, D.C. that culminates with a visit to the White House.
 
Applicants must be PreKindergarten-12 classroom teachers and have a valid Nevada teacher’s license to be eligible for consideration. The 2021 Teacher of the Year will be announced in May. For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year webpage.