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.
2010 Idaho Teacher of the Year: Kelli Smith
Biography
Kelli Smith, a mathematics teacher at Sacajawea Junior High School in Lewiston, was named the 2010 Idaho Teacher of the Year in a surprise assembly at her school in November.
Smith has been teaching for just seven years but already has made a great impact on her students and her peers.
She is admired for her dedication, knowledge of the subject area she teaches, the immense amount of time she puts into her work as well as her kindness and love of her job and her students.
Smith implements creative strategies in the classroom to make sure every child learns. She works hard to provide hands-on learning opportunities for her students so they understand the real life situations that relate to concepts they are learning in the classroom.
In addition to her time in the classroom, Ms. Smith is active in the community. She spends her time as a coach for the MathCounts team. Recently, two of her students qualified for the national MathCounts competition.
As the 2010 Idaho Teacher of the Year, Smith will receive:
- $1,000 from the State Department of Education,
- $16,000 in technology equipment, software and training donated from the SMARTer Kids Foundation,
- A 32-seat clicker set from Turner Technologies valued at $1,100 donated by the State Department of Education.
- A laptop computer donated by Intermountain Technology Group in Boise.
Smith is now a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in Spring 2010. Smith, along with all state Teachers of the Year, is invited to attend Recognition Week activities in April in Washington, D.C., and is invited to attend International Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. in July.
Documents
Teacher of the Year Guidance and Timeline (Applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2009)
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Teacher of the Year Application Form
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(Please note: The National Teacher of the Year application is the same as the state application form. Applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2009.)
Past Winners
- 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