2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year

The Massachusetts State Teacher of the Year (STOY) is a teacher who has been recognized for making a positive impact on student learning and well-being; using student-centered, innovative approaches to teaching and learning; and demonstrating leadership within and beyond the classroom. The Teacher of the Year will serve as a liaison to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and as an ambassador to other teachers in the state. Go to Program Overview to learn more about this opportunity.

Eligibility Requirements

The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year must:

Have completed at least four years of teaching experience,
Spend the majority of their school day in direct instruction of students,
Possess an active and valid Massachusetts teaching license for the subject and grade level they teach,
Be a full-time teacher in a PK–12 public school, including charter schools, or in a DESE-approved adult learning center.

Note: Co-teachers who are applying together must teach in the same classroom at the same time and be responsible for the same students.

Application Process and Timelines

Teachers can apply to be Teacher of the Year themselves or be nominated by a colleague, student, family member, or other member of their school community. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, February 20, 2023. Teachers who are nominated will be invited to apply.

Nominations will be accepted until Monday, February 20. The application for 2024 Teacher of the Year is open until 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. See below for more information about this year's application and selection process.

Questions? Join us for an Information Session on Thursday, February 16 from 4–4:30 p.m. Meeting Registration.

Selection Round	When?	What is required?
Round 1: Initial application	Due 2/28/23 at 8:00 a.m.	Applicants will submit: Resume Written or video responses to short essay questions Recommendations (video or letter) from two of the following: colleague, supervisor, family/community member, or student
Round 2: Video Observation and Reflection	March 2023	Based on the initial application, a set of applicants will be asked to submit a teaching video, reflection, and endorsement form from their principal.
Round 3: Semifinalists	April 2023	8–12 semifinalists will participate in phone interviews and reference calls. The superintendent for each semifinalist will be notified and asked to submit an endorsement form.
Round 4: Finalists	May/June 2023	3–4 finalists will open their classroom for an observation by members of the selection team and participate in a panel interview with former Teachers of the Year and DESE staff. 1–2 finalists will be recommended for a final meeting with Commissioner Riley.
Announcement	Fall 2023	The 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year will be announced.

Please email educatorrecognition@mass.gov with any questions.

Last Updated: January 26, 2023