Teacher of the Year Entry Form
Teacher of the Year District Report Form
Teacher of the Year Score Sheet
SMART/MAHER VFW NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION TEACHER AWARD
CITATIONS FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THEIR SCHOOLS
Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. Effective this year, VFW Post Teacher Award Chairman may submit one candidate in each grade level, to their District by November 15, if applicable, or to their Department Headquarters by January 1. The Department will select a single candidate and submit them to VFW National Headquarters by February 1 for national judging. VFW’s Department Teacher winners that are received at National Headquarters will receive a VFW National citation for both the winning teacher and their school.
NOTE: The only item the National VFW Programs Department requires is the completed "VFW Department Teacher Award Citation Request Form” which is now available on the VFW website. Simply visit vfw.org/#login, log in to My VFW, then look under Member Resources, click on VFW Training & Support, then click on Community Service & Youth Programs, then look under Additional Resources. The Teacher Entry form, Instruction sheet, Citation request form and Chairman’s Manual will be up on the VFW website in the near future.
Their respective schools also receive a $1,000 award.
SPECIAL NOTE: Anyone may nominate a teacher except for the teacher himself or herself (or the teacher’s relative.) While a school official may nominate a teacher, permission from a school or district is not required.
Citizenship Teacher of the Year Awards
VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. The VFW offers cash awards, commemorative plaques and all expenses-paid trips to the nation’s capital for these worthy teachers. The trip will provide an opportunity for winners to exchange ideas. Teachers care deeply about America and its children. They’re concerned about the perpetuation of America’s noblest traditions and highest ideals. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor him or her today with the VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.