Who's the Best Teacher in Dearborn?

Who's the best teacher in Dearborn? Local students could give them the honor of a lifetime.

Nominations are now open for the Dearborn Public Schools 2012-13 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year award. The new on-line entry form can be found by visiting http://dearbornschools.org/toy. Forms can also be downloaded, or can be picked up at any Dearborn public school and the district’s Administration Office, located at 18700 Audette.

The award is sponsored by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We want to make the nomination process as simple as possible because we want to encourage all students to nominate their favorite teachers,” said Chamber Education Committee Chair Stefanie Stover.

The deadline for submitting nominations, either on-line or hard-copy, is Friday, April 12. Hard-copy nomination forms can be mailed to the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48124, or faxed to 313-584-9818.

Adults may assist students when necessary but no more than two teachers can be nominated per student.

Students can nominate new or veteran teachers whom they feel have made outstanding contributions to the teaching profession.

• Preschool through fifth-grade students are asked to describe how their teacher has created a classroom where learning is positive and fun.
• Middle school students (grades 6-8) will need to explain how their teacher connects classroom learning with everyday life.
• Students in high school must describe how their teacher is preparing them to be successful beyond high school.

Applications will be assessed on quality of the nomination, not on the number received. Award judges are members of the Dearborn Chamber Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names.

One winner from elementary, middle and high school will be announced at a special ceremony, Wednesday, May 15, at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

Teachers selected to receive the Teacher of Year Award are being recognized as positive role models who consistently provide unique, productive, positive classroom experiences. Teachers selected receive a $1,000 cash prize, a plaque commemorating their achievement, and will be part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.

“The teachers in our classrooms are true professionals, dedicated to their craft and to the academic success of their students. This award is a great way for our student to honor and thank their teachers,” commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Brian Whiston.