The Educator of the Year awards recognize ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional and innovative qualities in their classrooms or work environments. Winners receive a $5,000 check from ATPE. The awards recognize excellence in five categories:

• Administrator of the Year
• Associate of the Year
• Elementary Teacher of the Year
• Secondary Teacher of the Year
• Special Services Educator of the Year

Nominations for these awards were due on February 1, 2016, and the nominees have been notified by the award committee.

To be considered, nominees must now complete an application that includes answering questions about their educational philosophy, education trends, communication and leadership, and personal experience related to their area. Answers are limited to one 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, front and back.

Applications must be submitted no later than March 4, 2016.

These applications will be reviewed by the award committee, which will select up to three finalists in each category. Finalists will be notified in May so that they can make plans to attend the 2016 APTE Summit in Austin where they will go through in-person interviews with the award committee. Winners will be announced at the 2016 ATPE Summit.

For more information about the 2016 ATPE Educator of the Year awards, visit ATPE.org.