VFW Looking for Exceptional Teachers to Honor

Annual contest recognizes teachers who promote civic responsibility, patriotism

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1432 Commander Steve Murrison announced the kick-off of this year’s Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award contest.

Every year, the VFW recognizes exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. The winning teachers from each (state) Department receive a national citation for themselves, and one for their school.

Current certified/licensed teachers of grades K-12 can be nominated by fellow teachers, students, family members, other interested individuals or nominate themselves. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism, and strive to help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs are prime candidates for the award. Nominations are to be turned into your local VFW Post 1432 by October 31, 2023.

Nominated teachers compete at the local VFW Post level with the winner in the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade levels advancing to the district level competition, if applicable, with their winners advancing to the state level competition by Jan. 1. State first place winners are advanced to National Headquarters by Feb. 1, for national level competition.

The VFW enacted the Teacher of the Year award contest in 1999 as a way to identify and recognize America’s best educators. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top teachers whoinstill a sense of national pride in students by teaching citizenship education topics regularly and promoting America’s history and traditions effectively.

If you are interested in nominating yourself, or a teacher you know for this contest, contact the Citizenship Education Chairman at VFW Post 1432 by phone at 785-825-4909 or email the Postat info@vfw1432.org for more information.

FOR DETAILS VISIT: vfw.org/TeacheroftheYear.