Dearborn Teacher Of The Year Nominations Now Open

DEARBORN, MI — Nominations are open for the 2021 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students Choice Award, an annual honor sponsored by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and LaFontaine Automotive Group that recognizes Dearborn Public Schools teachers.

The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on May 28. Nominations can be submitted online here. Paper nomination forms can be printed from the district website or picked up at any Dearborn Public School or the district's administrative center. Forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

“In a year where every teacher is deserving of this award, I hope many of our students will take a few moments to nominate their favorite teacher," Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. "Nominating a teacher for this award is a great way to honor them and show appreciation for the work they have done to create a meaningful educational experience in the virtual, hybrid, and in-person classroom."

The district said that applications will be assessed on the quality of nominations as opposed to the number of nominations received. Award judges are members of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names.

Students can nominate any teacher they feel has made an outstanding contribution. Preschool students through second-grade students are asked to describe how their teacher makes learning fun.

Third- through fifth-grade students describe how their teachers created a classroom where learning was positive and fun.

Middle school students — which includes grades 6 through 8 — are asked to explain how their teacher connects classroom learning with everyday life.

High school students describe how their teacher is preparing them to be college and career-ready.

One winner from each category will be announced at a special ceremony to be held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center on Sept. 23. The Chamber of Commerce delayed this year’s nominations and celebration, hoping COVID conditions will improve to allow for an in-person awards announcement in the fall.

Winning teachers receive a $1,000 cash prize and a glass award.

“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and all the sponsors for once again providing this event,” Maleyko said. “Our district is very fortunate to have so many great community partners.”