Outstanding Educator Awards

Teacher of the Year/Novice Teacher of the Year Qualifications

• Individuals who possess current renewable Virginia teaching licenses with an endorsement(s) in the teaching assignment and who teach in Virginia public schools are eligible to participate.
• Teacher of the Year Nominees – To be eligible for this award, teachers must have at least three years of teaching experience in a public school.
  • Teachers who are currently serving in their third school year in 2026-27 are not eligible for this award.
• Novice Teacher of the Year Nominees – To be eligible for this award, teachers must have less than three full years of teaching experience in a public school.
  • Teachers who are currently serving in their fourth school year in 2026-27 are not eligible for this award.
• The program is open to all teachers, including school librarians, technology specialists, school counselors, and reading specialists.

Teacher of the Year/Novice Teacher of the Year Criteria

Upon submission of the nomination to the division (via Microsoft form), principals must confirm that each nominee meets or exceeds each standard below.

• Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence;
• Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success;
• Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large;
• Demonstrates leadership and innovation inside and outside of the classroom that embodies lifelong learning; and
• Expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.

Principal of the Year Qualifications

• Must be serving in a principal role in the current school year.
• Must have at least three years of administrator experience (central and/or assistant principal and above).
• Most recent performance evaluation must reflect meeting or exceeding standards.
• Must be on target toward meeting Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) goals per the level associate.

Principal of the Year Criteria

• Earns the respect of their staff and students, inspires excellence and creativity, and provides an innovative vision for the future of the school.
• Establishes meaningful relationships throughout the educational system and community and fosters a collaborative school culture that emphasizes working together within the common framework of strong educational values.
• Maintains a continuous and open dialogue with students and parents as well as faculty and staff, and considers a variety of feedback and ideas when making decisions.
• Keeps abreast of developments in the field of education.
• Continues to play an active role in the classroom, the lunchroom, the hallway, at morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal, and creates an environment in which staff and students can flourish and grow.

Support Employee of the Year Qualifications

• The program is open to all full and part-time classified (non-exempt) employees (grade 11 and below) in the following support roles:
  • Teaching assistants, clerical and administrative, transportation, food and nutrition, custodial and maintenance, security, health and student services, technical, and skilled trades staff.
• To be eligible for this award, employees must be in good standing and have successfully completed their 12-month probationary period in their current position.
• Most recent performance evaluation must reflect meeting or exceeding standards.

Support Employee of the Year Criteria

• Demonstrates exceptional work performance (to include consistent attendance, meeting or exceeding on their last summative evaluation, and no disciplinary infractions);
• Demonstrates active involvement in their school and community;
• Consistently demonstrates leadership and commitment to their school/department;
• Garners local support from coworkers, school administrators, or community members who speak to the nominee's exemplary work; and
• Consistently represents support employees in a positive manner in their school and community.

• Nominees will receive an invitation to accept their nomination and complete the application.
• Once the application window closes, a committee will review and score all completed applications.
• The top finalists for each category for Teacher, Novice Teacher, and Principal of the Year will interview and receive a school visit from a review committee member(s).
• The top finalists for each category will be invited to the Outstanding Educator ceremony, where winners will be announced.