The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 44th year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education. The program chooses one teacher to represent Minnesota's thousands of excellent educators.

A selection committee representing Minnesota leaders in education, business and government chooses the Minnesota Teacher of the Year from individuals who are nominated and who then choose to become a candidate.

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year represents the profession as an advocate for education and spokesperson for teachers. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year makes presentations, meets with policymakers and attends frequent meetings.

Peers, school personnel, parents and students may nominate teachers. Many nominees come from school district-level Teacher of the Year programs throughout the state.

To be eligible, nominees must teach pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, hold at least a bachelor's degree and a Minnesota teaching license, have completed at least three full years of teaching by nomination deadline, and intend to teach during the next school year.

Minnesota Teachers of the Year serve a 12-month term.