The Michigan Department of Education opened nominations for the 2020-2021 Michigan Teacher of the Year (MOTY) program Monday.
The program, launched in 1952, aims to recognize educational leaders and give them an opportunity to share their knowledge and give feedback to the state. The MTOY serves as a spokesperson for Michigan teachers.
The MTOY program is open to all teachers who hold a current Michigan teaching certificate, have at least five years of teaching experience in Michigan and work directly with students. The program is open to both public and private schools, as well as teachers in all subject areas, including special education.
Nominated teachers will be invited to complete Part A of the application process, which is due by November 17. A group of educational stakeholders will then select regional semifinalists, who will complete Part B of the application. Some applicants will then be selected to be Regional Teachers of the Year. Each RTOY will then be interviewed by a panel of educational leaders to determine the Michigan Teacher of the Year.
“Michigan is fortunate to have teachers who dedicate themselves each day to raising up their students and elevating the educator profession,” said State Superintendent Michael Rice in a statement. “We want nominations that reflect racial and cultural diversity, and a wide range of classroom experiences, from which to select the next Michigan Teacher of the Year.”
Teachers selected to be RTOYs will then become members of the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council, which meets four times a year and provides an opportunity to learn more about and provide feedback on statewide initiatives.
The MTOY and a RTOY also attend and present at the State Board of Education meetings each month. The MTOY is submitted to the National Teacher of the Year program. Several MTOYs have been NTOY finalists, including Robert Stevenson in 2010.
The MTOY program is run in partnership with the Meemic Education Foundation, which provides funding for travel throughout the state.
The MTOY for 2019-2020 is Cara Lougheed of Stoney Creek High School in the Rochester Community School District. Lougheed has taught English Language Arts and history for the Rochester school district for 21 years.
Nominations for the 2020-2021 program can be made here. The nomination deadline is October 6 at 11:59 p.m.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter at The Michigan Star.
