Office
of K-16 Initiatives and Access ProgramsTeacher Development Programs Unit
TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2009 Teacher of the Year Brochure and Application
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Richard T. Ognibene, Jr.
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| "Teaching is an art, a science and a passion. It is the noblest profession in the world because teachers provide hope for our future. That is why I was drawn to teaching and that is why I stay. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my life. I love the excitement of knowing that if I do my job well I will change people’s lives for the better. I love the pride in knowing that a student has pursued a career in science or a career in teaching because of me. I love the sound of unfettered laughter in the classroom. I love the thrill of helping a special-needs student achieve beyond his wildest dreams. The greatest reward, however, is my extended family of former students scattered across the globe; they are a source of joy and inspiration. When a former student beams with happiness at memories from our class, I know that in the mosaic of that person’s life a few of the brightest tiles belong to me. What other profession can compete with that?" | ||||||||||
Purpose… …To recognize and celebrate outstanding teachers throughout New York State. It is run in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program. Eligibility… …Any exceptionally skilled and dedicated teacher, appropriately credentialed within his or her current teaching area, who works directly with children in a State-approved public or private school in any grade from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve who has a minimum of five years teaching experience is eligible. Process… …A teacher may be initially recommended for nomination by any person within the school or community including parents, students, business leaders, school administrators, or colleagues. The formal nomination should involve a collaborative decision-making process indicating the support of all the groups concerned with the quality of teaching within a school. A complete portfolio including letters of support is submitted for each nominee. Support from the school community may include several days of release time to fulfill the obligations of the Teacher of the Year. Support… …The generous support from the following groups allows this program to operate: New York State Lottery, ING Financial Services, AETNA, SMARTer Kids Foundation, Scholastic, Inc., New York State Museum, ERIC Clearinghouse, CCSSO, NYSUT, NEA/NY, and ASCD of New York. National Teacher of the Year… …The New York State Teacher of the Year becomes New York's entrant in the National Teacher of the Year Program. |
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Selection Committee
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For Additional Information Contact the Teacher Development Programs Unit, New York State Education Department at (518) 486-6042 or kiap@mail.nysed.gov.
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Last Updated
5/9/08