TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Each year three exceptional
teachers are recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for their
outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students.
The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high
and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics—at least half
of the school day in a classroom environment—and promote America’s history,
traditions and institutions effectively.
The VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (Teacher of the Year)
include the following items:
- $1,000 award to the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade teachers for professional
development expenses.
- $1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school.
- Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.
- An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference and receive their award.
WHO SHOULD BE NOMINATED:
Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are
prime candidates for the award.
If you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall, organizes community
volunteer projects or invites local veterans to speak in class, anything to
help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs,
this award is for them.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION:
Submit your nomination to the VFW Post by October 31st, 2026
Step 1: In 350 words or less, describe why you feel your nominee is deserving
of the award. Be sure to describe the teacher’s innovative teaching and
resource development methods, as well as his or her dedication to education.
Step 2: Complete the Teacher of the year
entry form.
Step 3: Submit the nomination form along with your explanation to your local
VFW Post by October 31.
HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:
Based on the nominees submitted, VFW’s local Posts will recognize one
outstanding teacher in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts will then submit the winning
names to the District-level judging. From there, the selected winners are
forwarded to the Department-level (state-level). once they are judged on the
state level, the winners are passed along to VFW National Headquarters for
consideration in the national awards contest.
National Teacher of the Year Link
Teacher of the Year Rules and Eligibility
