Idaho Teacher of The Year Program
The Idaho Teacher of the Year Program, which began in 1959, is one of the most prestigious honors in the state for teachers. The program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching that has a real impact on the students of Idaho.
The Idaho Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the districts' nominees by a selection committee representing the state education leaders and lawmakers. Each school district and charter school may nominate one teacher. School districts should submit the nominations to the State Department of Education before the end of the school year.
The Idaho Teacher of the Year also becomes a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers that is sponsored by Scholastic Inc.
2012 Idaho Teacher of the Year: Erin Lenz
Biography
Erin Lenz was selected to represent Idaho as the 2012 Teacher of the Year for her passion, vision, and commitment to making sure every child learns.
Ms. Lenz has taught for 10 years. Her passion is to help students who are struggling in reading, and to make sure every student learns.
Her colleague, Ann Porter-Brown, said, "Erin's teaching philosophy is simple - all children can learn and it is the educator's responsibility and challenge to provide a learning environment that allows students to succeed."
Through her work as a classroom teacher, Ms. Lenz has helped countless students reach their goals and master reading skills. She also collaborates and shares best practices with other teachers in her building and the district to make sure every student succeeds.
She reaches out to the community on a regular basis through early morning meetings or afterschool programs to make sure parents and families become more involved in their children's education.
Ms. Lenz also understands the importance of data in the classroom. She strongly believes in the Response to Intervention model and knows how to use assessment data effectively to identify students who are struggling and give them the support they need to be successful.
"I can think of no one better able to represent Idaho teachers than Erin Lenz. She embodies what all parents would want for their child's teacher," said Kristin Gorringe, principal of Winton Elementary School. "Teaching is not what Erin does but rather who she is. Her commitment, modeling, skills, and ability to relate to people, both old and young, raises the capacity and performance of all who are lucky enough to work with her. I consider myself blessed to be one of those people."
As the 2012 Idaho Teacher of the Year, Cook will receive:
- $1,000 from the State Department of Education,
- More than $16,000 in technology equipment, software and training donated from the SMARTer Kids Foundation,
- All-expense-paid trip to the National Teacher of the Year Conference in Washington, D.C.
Lenz is now a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in Spring 2012. Congratulations to Erin Lenz!
Documents
Teacher of the Year Guidance and Timeline (Applications must be postmarked by September 28, 2012)
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Teacher of the Year Application Form
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The National Teacher of the Year application is the same as the state application form. Applications must be postmarked by September 28, 2012. Please mail, fax or e-mail applications to:
Portia Flynn
Teacher of the Year Coordinator
Idaho State Department of Education
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0027
Phone: (208) 332-6812
Fax: (208) 332-6836
E-mail: pflynn@sde.idaho.gov
Past Winners
- 2011 - Stefani Cook, Rigby High School, Rigby
- 2010 - Kelli Smith, Sacajawea Junior High School, Lewiston
- 2009 - Robin Sly, Trail Wind Elementary School, Boise
- 2008 - Carol Scholz, Idaho Arts Charter School, Nampa
- 2007 - Mike Clabby, Lake City High School, Coeur d'Alene
- 2006 - Mr. John "Mick" Sharkey, Parma High School, Parma
- 2005 - Mrs. Paula Conley, Canfield Middle School, Coeur d' Alene
- 2004 - Mrs. Tina Roehr, Meridian Academy, Meridian
- 2003 - Mrs. Patti Perry, Skyway Elementary School, Coeur d' Alene
- View Past Winners