The opportunity to become the Nevada Teacher of the Year begins with the individual teacher and school. Any classroom teacher holding a valid, continuing license for pre-kindergarten through grade twelve is eligible to participate.

This prestigious program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The National Teacher of the Year Program was initiated in 1952 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in order to bring recognition to the importance of teachers as nurturers of the "American Dream." His intention was to honor all teachers by the selection of a representative teacher from each state who would compete in the yearly choice of the National Teacher of the Year. The program is facilitated nationally by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Along with its sponsors, CCSSO brings together State Teachers of the Year from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Washington, DC, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Nevada has participated since 1956.

The mission of the Nevada Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a school, district, state, and national level. Being named Nevada Teacher of the Year is not only an award, but also an honor – one that comes with an enormous responsibility: that of representing the entire profession in Nevada.

The Nevada Teacher of the Year will make connections with schools, colleges, universities, organizations related to education, the legislature, and stakeholders around the state to elevate teachers, classrooms, and the teaching profession. They are an educational leader, a mentor, and an ambassador. As a spokesperson for Nevada’s roughly 27,000 educators, the Teacher of the Year is resource on the state of education in Nevada.

The Candidate is an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher in any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who is planning to continue in an active teaching status. The Candidate selected by our state should inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, and have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues. The Candidate should play an active, useful role in the community as well as in their school, be poised, and possess the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.