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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 commonwealth. Go to Program Overview to learn more about this opportunity.
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.
Note: Co-teachers who are applying together must teach in the same classroom at the same time and be responsible for the same students.
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. Teachers who are nominated will be invited to apply.
Nominations will be accepted until Thursday, February 1. The application for 2025 Teacher of the Year is open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024. See below for more information about this year's application and selection process.
Questions? Join us for an Information Session on Tuesday, February 6 from 4–4:30 p.m. Meeting Registration.
Please email EducatorRecognition@mass.gov with any questions.
Last Updated: January 30, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.