The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2020 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year awards to recognize four outstanding teachers from Dearborn Public Schools. On hand for the 2019 presentation were DCAC President Jackie Lovejoy (left); Dearborn Schools Trustees Michael Meade, Adel Mozip, Hussein Berry and Jim Thorpe; Pre K – 2nd Grade Teacher of the Year Award recipient Lisa Younce of Oakman Elementary; DACC Education Committee Chairman Philipp Emma; 3-5th Grade Teacher of the Year Award recipient Kimberly Donoghue of Geer Park Elementary; DPS Supt. Glenn Maleyko; Middle School Teacher of the Year Award recipient Aaron Pfeil of Woodworth Middle School; LaFontaine Automotive Group General Manager Mike Law; High School Teacher of the Year Award recipient Keith Rydzik of Edsel Ford High School; and Dearborn Schools Trustee Mary Lane.
DEARBORN — It’s time for students to nominate their favorite Dearborn Public Schools teacher for the 2020 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award, sponsored by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.
The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. March 9. Nomination forms can be found at the DPS website, https://dearbornschools.org. Printed nomination forms may be picked up at any Dearborn public school and the Administration Office, 18700 Audette.
Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI, 48124 or faxed to 313-584-9818. Adults may assist students in completing nominations when necessary, but no more than two teachers can be nominated per student.
Students may nominate any teachers whom they feel has made outstanding contributions to the teaching profession.
Pre-school through second-grade students are asked to describe how their teacher makes learning fun. Students in this category can include a nice drawing, if they wish, but it will not be part of the selection process.
Third- through fifth-grade students must describe how their teacher has created a classroom where learning is positive and fun. Middle school students (grades 6 to 8) are asked to explain how their teacher connects classroom learning with everyday life. Students in high school must describe how their teacher is preparing them to be college and career ready.
“Nominating a teacher for this award is an outstanding way for students to show teachers how much their work is valued and appreciated and the positive impact teachers have on students’ lives,” DPS Supt. Glenn Maleyko said.
“We have so many excellent teachers deserving of this recognition, and I hope many of our students will take a few moments to nominate their favorite teacher.”
Applications will be assessed on the quality of the nomination, not on the number received. Award judges are members of the Dearborn Chamber Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names. One winner from each category will be announced at a ceremony to be held at 4:30 p.m. April 23 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Winning teachers receive a $1,000 cash prize and a glass award commemorating their achievement. They also will join a group of Dearborn teachers who have been recognized by the community for their dedication and passion for teaching.
“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and all the sponsors for once again providing this event,” Maleyko said. “Our district is very fortunate to have so many great community partners.”