Students can nominate their teacher by writing essays, poems or thank you letters that share how their teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire their teacher. Participating schools collect the essays and submit them to their local Barnes & Noble store for consideration. Entries are judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation and the quality of expression and writing.
The local winning teacher is recognized in the spring at an event at their local Barnes & Noble, where they receive a special award acknowledging their achievement and additional recognition and praise from their community. The student who wrote the winning essay or poem also receives a certificate of recognition and is honored at the ceremony.
The winning teacher from each store is then entered into the regional contest, where regional winners receive a NOOK and a $500 Barnes & Noble gift card. From the pool of regional winners, Barnes & Noble names one teacher the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher receives $5,000 and the title of “Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher of the Year.” The winner is recognized at a special community celebration at their local Barnes & Noble store, and the winning teacher’s school receives $5,000.
For more information, view the press release announcing the 2018 contest, the press release announcing the 2017 winner, or visit the My Favorite Teacher page on BN.com.
Pictured: B&N Store Manager Jamahl Dunn (Pikesville, MD) with high school student Randall Davidson (who wrote the winning essay) and the 2017 National Teacher of the Year Laura Braly.