TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 Loudoun County Virginia

VFW Post 1177

 

TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR 2024-2025

 

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.


Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements here. Teacher nomination entries must be received at the Loudoun County VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline. Our address is:

VFW Post 1177

401 Old Waterford Rd.

Leesburg Va. 20176

 
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics—for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment—can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. 
 

Winners at the National Level receive:

  • A $1,000 award for professional development expenses. 
  • A $1,000 award for his/her school. 
  • Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.
  • An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award.  

 

The 2023 VFW National-Level Teachers of the Year are shown here. Congratulations to all!! CLICK HERE

 

 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 FOR A LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA TEACHER:

 
(For Teachers serving in schools outside of Loudoun County Virginia, please click HERE to find a VFW Post near you!)
 
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 VFW Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award nomination form here. 
 
Step 3: Submit the nomination form along with your explanation to Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 before 31 Oct.   
 
Note: Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals. Nominations submitted by relatives or self are not eligible.   
 

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:

 

Based on the nominees submitted, VFW's local chapters - called Posts - will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts then submit their winning names to their District-level judging (@15 Mar).
 
From there, the selected winners are forwarded to the Department-level (state-level) (@30 Mar). Once they are judged at the state level, the winners are passed along to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.
 
Judging begins at the Post Level. Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 will select a winner from Loudoun County to compete in this prestigious competition at the District (Northern Va.) level and then that winner will move up to State then National!

For more information or any questions you may have, please contact the TOY Team at contact1177@vfw1177.orgThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Please mail the completed application before 31 Oct.  (We'll fill in the LOCAL POST INFO), and typed nomination to:


VFW Post #1177

Attention: Teacher of the Year

401 Old Waterford Road

Leesburg, VA 20176-2120