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September 15, 2021
LANSING – The selection process for the 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) and Regional Teachers of the Year (RTOYs) kicks off today as the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) starts accepting nominations.
Since 1952, Michigan annually recognizes outstanding teachers through the MTOY program. Each year, 10 RTOYs are selected through a two-part application process, with one of the 10 teachers being named Michigan Teacher of the Year. Nominations may be made online using the online form.
The MTOY program is not about attempting to find “the best” teacher, but honoring teachers throughout the state who have shown leadership and dedication to the teaching profession, said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.
“One of the wonderful things about teachers is that they are constantly finding new ways to teach their students and help them achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Rice. “We are excited to raise up the many tremendous things our teachers are doing around the state.
“The Michigan Teacher of the Year and Regional Teachers of the Year are important advocates and resources for teachers and students in Michigan,” Dr. Rice added.
The 2021-22 MTOY is Ms. Leah Porter, a third-grade teacher at Wilcox Elementary in Holt Public Schools. Porter serves with her nine fellow RTOYs on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council (MTLAC).
Program expenses for the MTOY, as well as the RTOY and MTLAC, are offset through the generous support of the Meemic Foundation, now celebrating its 15th year as the program’s sponsor. The Meemic Foundation also presents each RTOY and their school with a plaque commemorating their accomplishment.
Nominations are accepted now through Sunday, October 24, 2021. Following the close of nominations, all eligible nominees are invited to complete Part A of the application process, with the top applicants advancing to Part B of the process. The top applicant in each region following Part B will be named that region’s 2022-23 Regional Teacher of the Year and interview to become the 2022-23 MTOY. The application process evaluates candidates on several factors, including their involvement in their school and community, and their focus on working collaboratively with members of their educational community to ensure that all students have their needs met.
To learn more about the MTOY program, the MTLAC, and MDE’s other educator recognition efforts, please visit the program’s webpage. Please contact Josh Roesner at RoesnerJ1@Michigan.gov with any questions regarding the program or nomination process.
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