"Teaching is the most important, the most humbling, and the most rewarding experience there is because it emanates from the heart. Teaching can be a friend, helping us to learn from experience and liberating us so that we may serve others. Teaching guides our uniqueness and accompanies our heart down unknown paths. Teachers seek the extraordinary in the ordinary. Teaching requires a community. Each day in the classroom is a gift. You will change your students' lives, and together you and your students will experience the changes in society. The most important thing to remember is to embrace change, take risks, and model for your students that lifelong learning is a gift to be treasured."

link to the Official Press Release http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/TeacheroftheYear.2009.htm

NYS Teachers of the Year

Purpose…

…To recognize and celebrate outstanding teachers throughout New York State. It is run in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program.

…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.

…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.

…The generous support from the following groups allows this program to operate: ING Financial Services, SMARTer Kids Foundation, CCSSO, NYSUT, NYS PTA, and ASCD of New York.

…The New York State Teacher of the Year becomes New York's entrant in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Richard T. Ognibene, Jr.
2008 New York State Teacher of the Year

chemistry and physics teacher at Fairport High School in Fairport, New York

2008 NYS Teacher of the Year Press Release

Selection Committee

• Return to the KIAP Home Page
• Pre-Collegiate Preparation Programs Unit
• Teacher Development Programs Unit
• Collegiate Development Programs Unit
• Scholarships and Grants Administration Unit