Nominations have now opened for the 2021 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students Choice Award.
This annual award is sponsored by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by LaFontaine Automotive Group. The nomination deadline is Friday, May 28, 2021 at 5 p.m. The online nomination form can be found at http://bit.ly/DbnTOY2021.
Paper nomination forms can be printed from the district website or picked up at any Dearborn Public School or the District’s Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette St., Dearborn. Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124 or faxed to (313) 584-9818. Adults may assist students in completing nominations when necessary. No more than two teachers may be nominated per student.
Although the district appreciates all the hard work that parents have done this past year to be an active part of their child’s education, this award honors our Dearborn Public Schools teachers. Students may nominate any new or veteran teacher whom they feel has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession. Preschool through second grade students are asked to describe how their teacher makes learning fun. Students in this category can include a nice drawing, if they wish, but it will not be part of the selection process. Third through fifth grade students must describe how their teacher has created a classroom where learning is positive and fun. Middle school students (grades 6-8) are asked 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 college and career ready.
“In a year where every teacher is deserving of this award, I hope many of our students will take a few moments to nominate their favorite teacher. Nominating a teacher for this award is a great way to honor them and show appreciation for the work they have done to create a meaningful educational experience in the virtual, hybrid, and in-person classroom,” said Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko.
Applications will be assessed on the quality of the nomination, not on the number received. Award judges are members of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names. One winner from each category will be announced at a special ceremony to be held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 4:15 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce delayed this year’s nominations and celebration hoping COVID conditions will improve to allow for an in-person awards announcement in the fall.
Teachers selected to receive the Teacher of Year Award are recognized as positive role models who consistently provide unique, productive, positive classroom experiences. Winning teachers receive a $1,000 cash prize and a glass award commemorating their achievement. They also will join a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.
“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and all the sponsors for once again providing this event,” Dr. Maleyko added. “Our district is very fortunate to have so many great community partners.”