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Why submit your application for Michigan Teacher of the Year?

Why submit your application for Michigan Teacher of the Year?

Benefits of being named the Michigan Teacher of the Year

  • Spokesperson for Michigan’s 85,000+ teachers and bring recognition to district
  • Attend all State Board of Education meetings as a non-voting member of the board
  • Receive additional teacher leadership training at national conferences and network with other state teachers of the year
  • Attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, with other state teachers of the year
  • Partner with the Meemic Foundation to create and host professional development opportunities for fellow teachers
  • Potentially receive invitations to state-level workgroups and committees
  • Michigan’s applicant for National Teacher of the Year (NTOY)
  • Meet federal and state legislators
  • Walden University offers full-tuition scholarships to state teachers of the year enrolling in the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership programs within 15 months of being named their state teacher of the year
  • Meemic supplies a $1,000 check to Michigan Teacher of the Year's school for classroom expenses and provides financial support for your travel as Michigan Teacher of the Year

Benefits of being named Regional Teacher of the Year

  • Serve as spokesperson and advocate for the educators and students within your region
  • Membership in the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council (MTLAC), which has opportunities to provide direct feedback to MDE on initiatives and proposals
  • Funds to offset the cost of travel to meetings and provide professional learning opportunities within your region

Eligibility requirements for Michigan or Regional Teacher of the Year

  • Hold a current, valid Michigan teaching certificate
  • Good standing with school and district
  • Five or more successful years of certificated teaching experience in Michigan completed at the time of nomination
  • Work directly with students in current role
  • Recommended by someone other than self
  • Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade educator
  • Not served as a Regional Teacher of the Year in the previous three years
  • Willing to commit to active membership on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council (MTLAC) during the next school year if selected as a Regional Teacher of the Year
  • Will remain and continue as a classroom teacher during the academic year

Updated 9/18/2026