There are many awards available for teachers who are great at what they do and inspire their students to learn. Two of those awards are the National Teacher of the Year Award, and the National Teachers Hall of Fame Award.

National Teacher of the Year Award

This award, which began in 1952, aims to reward excellence in teaching. It was devised by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

The selection process operates by students, principals, teachers and administrators nominating their favorite teacher to receive the award. A winner is selected for each state of the United States, as well as the:

• District of Colombia
• American Samoa
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Out of these state and territory winners, four finalists are chosen for the ultimate award. The winner is then chosen by a panel of experts who look for:

• inspirational teachers
• respectful teachers
• teachers who are active within the community

The award is given at a ceremony held in the White house Rose Garden and is presented by the President of the United States.

National Teachers Hall of Fame Award

The hall of fame also aims to recognize excellence in teaching. Founded in 1989 it is committed to spotlighting hard-working and inspiring teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students.

Each year the hall of fame recognizes five teachers. So far, 100 teachers have been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Recognizing hard-working teachers who are committed to education and inspiring children is important.