DEARBORN, Michigan – Nominations for the 2013 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Awards are being requested from Dearborn students. Students are encouraged to recognize favorite teachers who have made significant contributions in their lives. A copy of the nomination form can be downloaded here.
Nominations can be mailed or faxed to the Dearborn Area Chamber offices and can also be submitted online. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 12, 2013. One winner from elementary, middle and high school will be announced at a special ceremony, Wednesday, May 15, 2013. LaFontaine Automotive Group is the presenting sponsor of this annual event.
“We want to make this process as simple as possible because we wanted to encourage all students to nominate their favorite teachers,“ said Chamber Education Committee Chair Stefanie Stover. “Teachers make such an impact in the lives of our community’s children. We expect to receive hundreds of nominations again this year.”
The Ford Community and Performing Arts Center will host the annual award ceremony and reception for nominated teachers and nominating students.
“The Teacher of the Year Awards began in 1997, under the leadership of Chamber Member Alberta Muirhead,” said Stover. In its first year, 65 nominations were received for 57 teachers in 19 schools. “We received over 1,000 nominations last year.”
Teachers selected to receive the Teacher of Year Award are being recognized as positive role models who consistently provide unique, productive, positive classroom experiences. Teachers selected receive a $1,000 cash prize, a plaque commemorating their achievement, and will be part of a select group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.
“The teachers in our classrooms are true professionals, dedicated to their craft and to the academic success of their students. This award is a great way for our student to honor and thank their teachers,” commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Brian Whiston.
Community partners involved in this nomination process and event are Central Michigan University, Dearborn Federal Savings Bank, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, Health Alliance Plan, McDonald’s “The Future,” Tim Horton’s four Dearborn/Dearborn Heights locations, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn Federation of Teachers, Henry Ford Community College, Henry Ford Medical Center-Fairlane, The Henry Ford and The Red A Benefit Group.
Sam’s Club will provide reception refreshments and additional incentives for teachers. Key Bank will donate the gift bag for each attending teacher and The Glass Academy will donate the glass “apple” awards for each teacher. Education is one of the Dearborn Area Chamber’s core strategies. Through programs such at Teacher of the Year, the Chamber, a 550+ member organization, cultivates learning and mentoring opportunities between the student population and local business.