Awards to Recognize Outstanding Teachers Who Mentor

The Idaho State Department of Education is working with Boise State and other partners to roll out a new program called Celebration of Teaching—Mentors of the Year Awards to recognize excellent teachers in southwest Idaho public schools. The awards program will honor teachers who guide, support and encourage fellow educators in their pursuit of effective teaching and professional growth.

Teachers selected for the awards will be honored at a September 8 Celebration of Teaching dinner and awards ceremony at Boise State.

“By bringing mentors together, we will highlight their quality teaching practices, mentoring skills, and abilities to build positive relationships and provide encouragement,” said Barbara Morgan, Distinguished Educator in Residence at Boise State.

The awards program is a joint project of Boise State, the Idaho State Department of Education, Idaho Education Association and Meridian School District. A distinguished panel of area educators and Boise State representatives will select up to 25 teachers who mentor for the awards.

Educators, school administrators, university supervisors and pre-service teachers from the more than 50 public school districts in southwest Idaho may nominate one or more teachers for a Mentor of the Year Award.  To make a nomination, please submit:

• A completed nomination form.
• A nomination narrative explaining how the teacher serves as an outstanding mentor.
• A letter in support of the nomination from a superintendent, principal, administrator, colleague, pre-service teacher, parent or student.

Nominations will be accepted from May 2 to June 17. Learn more and see a list of eligible school districts, nomination forms, nomination criteria.