Please check the: LIST OF SCHOOLS/DEPARTMENTS ELIGIBLE TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES.
The following full-time district educators are eligible for nomination:

 - Classroom teachers - Grades Pre-K through 12
 - Adult education teachers
 - Postsecondary vocational/technical education teachers
 - School counselors
 - Media specialists
 - Speech/language pathologists
 - Special area teachers (e.g., exceptional student education, foreign languages, music)
 - Other professional educators performing instructional support services (e.g.,school psychologists, school social workers and instructional coaches)
School personnel who work in an administrative or supervisory capacity, such as principals, are ineligible.

To qualify for the Teacher of the Year award, eligible instructional employees must meet the following criteria.

• Exceptional Teaching and Student Growth: Nominees should demonstrate a superior ability to promote excellence in education, consistently improve student learning and the school environment, and show a strong record of teaching performance. This is evidenced by student learning gains, annual performance assessments, and professional recognition.
• Innovative Instructional Practices: Nominees must utilize original or innovative teaching materials, methods, curriculum, or tools. This can include interdisciplinary instruction, project-based learning, research-based programs, or technology to enhance teaching.
• Professional Leadership & Development: Nominees must actively engage in professional development and show leadership in educational activities at school, district, state, or national levels (e.g., advisory councils, department chair, task forces, etc.).
• Commitment to a Positive Learning Environment: Nominees are dedicated to creating a caring and respectful climate, interacting positively with students, families, and stakeholders, and engaging parents to enhance achievement.

• Previous category district winners will be ineligible to be a Stellar finalist in the same category for seven years after their win. District winners are not excluded from being nominated or recognized locally at their work location.
   
• Based on the progressive discipline hierarchy below, Stellar nominees that have a discipline starting at or higher than a 2-YR Reprimand, for the current year, will not be eligible to be a finalist. Eligibility is reinstated once the discipline expires. Directives will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  - Directive
  - Reprimand 2 year (no additional cases for two years)
  - Reprimand 5 year (no additional cases for 5 years)
  - Suspension 1 day
  - Suspension 2 days
  - Suspension 3 days
  - Suspension 4 days
  - Suspension 5 days
  - Termination