The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations for the 2023 Alberta Muirhead Student Choice Teacher of the Year Award. 2022 recipients included high school honoree Haifaa Mourad-Chamma, Dearborn High; adult education honoree Cathy Tade; and third- to fifth-grade honoree Sarah Verrier, Howe Elementary.
DEARBORN — Nominations are open for the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award for the Dearborn Public Schools.
The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. March 10. The online nomination form is available on the Dearborn Public Schools website and the DACC website. Adults may assist students in completing nominations when necessary. No more than two teachers may be nominated per student.
Awards will be presented to five Dearborn Public Schools teachers, one in each of five categories: preK-2nd grade, third through fifth grade, middle school, high school, and adult education.
Students may nominate any new or veteran teacher whom they feel has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession.
Preschool 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, specifically how the teacher motivates them to pursue a college degree, certification, trade apprenticeship, military service or job.
Adult education students should describe how the teacher helped them identify and pursue personal goals, whether educational or career oriented, and how lessons are relevant to those goals.
“I know so many of our teachers are deserving of this award, and I hope many of our students will take a few moments to nominate their favorite teacher,” DPS Supt. Glenn Maleyko said. “Nominating a teacher for this award is a great way to honor them and show appreciation for the work they have done to create a meaningful educational experience.”
Online nominations are preferred, but paper nomination forms can also be printed or picked up at any Dearborn public school or the district’s Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette St.. Completed paper forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124.
Nominations will be assessed on the quality of the nomination, not on the number received. Award judges are members of the DACC Education Committee and are not provided with the teachers’ names. One winner from each category will be announced at a special ceremony to be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center at 4:15 p.m. April 27.
Teachers selected to receive the Teacher of Year Award are recognized as positive role models who consistently provide unique, productive, positive classroom experiences. Winning teachers receive a $1,000 cash prize and a glass award commemorating their achievement. They also will join a select 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 willing to support and honor our hardworking teachers.”
For a list of sponsors and other information, go to the DACC website.