OUR HISTORY

Since its inception, this acclaimed program has elevated educators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), and four U.S. territories.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) believes that every child – regardless of background – should graduate ready for college, careers and life. To do this, we recognize we must create a more equitable education system that gives each student access to the educational resources and rigor they need, at the right moment in their education, across race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, family background, or family income.

CCSSO works with state K-12 education leaders, state education agencies, and educators to achieve this vision. We are proud to run the National Teacher of the Year Program to support exceptional educators across the country. It is an honor to recognize their dedication in the classroom, amplify their voices to advocate for the profession, and empower these educators to participate in policy discussions to improve education for all children.

Each year, CCSSO provides a new cohort of State Teachers of the Year with a yearlong, one-of-a-kind professional learning and development experience. These inspiring educators engage in rigorous learning experiences as they grow in teaching and learning; communications and advocacy; and education policy and leadership. In addition to this work they also are invited to learn at Google, develop a TEDEd talk and attend Space Camp, among others.

Each year since 1952 the National Teacher of the Year had been recognized by the White House in the spring, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This outstanding educator also travels the country to share their wisdom, elevate issues teachers face, and inspire others to join their profession.