TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 

VFW Teacher of the Year

Honoring America’s Educators Who Inspire Citizenship, Patriotism & Civic Responsibility

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recognizes exceptional classroom teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette, American history, and patriotism. The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award celebrates educators in grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 who go above and beyond in teaching our nation’s traditions and democratic values.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible.

  • Nominations may be submitted by fellow teachers, students, supervisors, family members, community members, or by the teachers themselves.

  • Previous national winners are not eligible.

Teachers who organize community projects, bring veterans into classrooms, teach patriotism through lessons or activities, or create unique opportunities for civic involvement are prime candidates.

Awards & Recognition

National awardees receive:

  • A $1,000 Smart/Maher Award for professional development.

  • A $1,000 award for their school.

  • A commemorative plaque.

  • An all-expenses-paid trip to the VFW National Convention.

In addition, winning teachers at the Post, District, and Department (state) levels receive recognition from the VFW and their local communities.

Judging Criteria

Entries are evaluated on a 100-point scale in four key areas:

  • Citizenship (1–25 points): Encouraging and modeling good citizenship and community involvement.

  • Innovation (1–25 points): Using new ideas, tools, and resources to inspire students.

  • Resources (1–25 points): Demonstrating the ability to bring in outside support, speakers, and educational opportunities.

  • Passion (1–25 points): Showing dedication, ongoing professional growth, and genuine care for student success.

How to Nominate a Teacher

  1. Complete the official entry form (download below).

  2. Provide a one-page résumé (minimum) or up to five pages of supporting documentation (résumé, references, news articles, etc.).

  3. Include a head-and-shoulder photo of the teacher, if available.

  4. Submit the completed nomination packet to your local VFW Post by October 31, 2025.

📍 To find your local Post: vfw.org/FindaPost

Timeline

  • October 31, 2025 – Deadline for entries at the Post level.

  • November 15, 2025 – Deadline for Posts to forward winners to District.

  • January 1, 2026 – Deadline for Districts to forward winners to Department.

  • February 1, 2026 – Department winners submitted to National Headquarters for final judging.

Resources & Forms

📄 Teacher of the Year Entry Form (fillable PDF)
📄 Rules & Eligibility (PDF)
📄 Program Brochure (PDF)
📄 Judging Score Sheet (PDF)

Press & Publicity

Posts and Departments are encouraged to use VFW’s sample press releases to announce the contest launch and to recognize winners at every level

POC: Gracy Mariscal