Each school is to select its teacher of the year based upon the following criteria. These are the same criteria that are used to determine the state teacher of the year.
With respect to classroom performance the teacher of the year candidate should be assessed with respect to:
1. Classroom environment
2. Command of subject matter
3. Classroom management skills
4. Enthusiasm
5. Creativity
6. Communication skills (clarity of directions, use of examples, etc.)
7. Responsiveness/energy of students
Additional criteria are:
1. Must plan to continue in an active teaching status.
2. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with fellow professionals.
3. Demonstrates a willingness to devote time and energy to activities, which result in improved instruction for children.
4. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with a variety of community groups.
5. Demonstrates a desire to keep abreast of current educational theories and practices through continued staff development.
6. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to make contributions to the field of education by conducting seminars and workshops and by assisting fellow teachers in their professional development.
7. Shows examples of innovative practices started in his/her classroom.
Each school shall submit one (and only one) teacher's name as their school's teacher of the year. The teacher should prepare a portfolio with evidence of indicated criteria. A more descriptive list may be found on the state's website www.scteachers.org.
GUIDELINES FOR CREATING PORTFOLIOS
Teachers are asked to be creative in the production of their portfolios. All presentations are expected to be neat, organized and bound in a three ring binder or scrapbook.
Suggested items to include:
Philosophy of Teaching - Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about teaching, including your own ideas of what makes you an outstanding teacher. Describe the rewards you find in teaching. How are your beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your teaching style.
Professional Biography - Factors that influenced you to become a teacher; description of what you consider to be your greatest education contributions and accomplishments
Data Driven Documentation of Effectiveness - Available results of students scores.
Community Involvement - Commitment to the community through service-oriented activities such as volunteer work, civic responsibilities and other group activities.
Teaching Profession - Efforts the teacher has taken to strengthen and improve the teaching profession. Include data to support student success/growth.
Letter of Support - Include at least one letter of support from your principal/administrative team indicating why you were selected as the teacher of the year from your school.