The deadline for Teacher of the Year nominees to submit the online nomination application is September 19, 2025.
We recommend that you prepare and save the information requested below prior to submitting your application, this includes writing prompts and letters of recommendation. The online application form does not allow you to save your progress or edit after submission. We may ask you for a copy of your information if there is an issue with the application submission. 

The link to the Teacher of the Year application can be found below.

Writing Prompts (Limit all responses to one page)

1. What inspires you as an educator? 
2. Using data, formal/informal and short/long term, how are your students performing when they enter your classroom versus when they leave? Provide the strongest objectively verifiable evidence available that illustrates your success at achieving meaningful learning outcomes for all your students. 
3. A teacher leader is someone who affects student outcomes in classrooms beyond their own. Describe how you have been a teacher leader in your school, district or subject area. 
4. Describe a project or initiative you have been involved in which contributed to the improvement of overall school culture. What was your role, how did you involve others and where is this project today? Please include evidence of student impact. 
5. Within your current position, explain which of the OCPS values you practice on an ongoing basis with your students & families. Provide examples. (Safety, People First, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence) 
6. Tell us about an OCPS student that you have made a direct, positive and important impact on. Explain the student's circumstance and the outcome of your actions.

Recommendation Letters (Limit to one page each)

You will need to provide three recommendation letters as listed below. You will need to request letters in Word format so that you may copy and paste the content of letters onto the application form. In addition, you will need to upload the original letter and save. 

1. Recommendation Letter from Principal/Administrator.  
   The file must be saved as follows: “TOY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Principal Recommendation Letter”
2. Recommendation Letter from a Colleague, Parent, or Former/Current Student. 
   The file must be saved as follows: “TOY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Recommendation Letter 1”
3. Second Recommendation Letter from a Colleague, Parent, or Former/Current Student. 
   The file must be saved as follows: “TOY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Recommendation Letter 2”

Resume

This item is optional at this time. If you are selected as a district finalist you will need to provide your resume no later than Friday, November 7, 2025. Uploaded Resume File must be saved as follows: “TOY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Resume”.

 
To complete and submit your application, click on the “TOY Application” link below.

TOY Application

Make sure to have all your information ready before starting your application, this includes writing prompts and letters of recommendation. Keeping the application open for long periods of time will result in the error message "Your response is too large please shorten some answers". If you receive this message when trying to submit, you will need to close the application and open a new one.

Please note the following important dates: