Funding Amount

$1,000 per honoree

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

MEF Educator of the Year Award

Geographic Scope: Signal Mountain, Tennessee (Three schools: Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, Signal Mountain Middle School, Signal Mountain High School)

Award Type: Recognition and financial award for outstanding educators

Amount: $1,000 per honoree awarded annually (one from each school)

Award Details:

  • Recipients: One educator honored from each of the four schools (4 total awards)

  • Monetary Award: $1,000 per recipient

  • - $500 designated for classroom or school-related expenses
    - $500 for personal use
  • Recognition: Themed desktop trophy

  • Permanent Recognition: Perpetual plaque installed at each school to honor future winners
  • Eligibility Criteria:

      Eligible Personnel

    • All school personnel including teachers, administrators, and support staff
    • Minimum tenure requirement: 3+ years employed at a Signal Mountain school

      Selection Criteria

      Honorees selected based on demonstration of one or more of the following:
    • Innovation in the classroom
    • Passion and creativity
    • Outstanding commitment and leadership
    • Community collaboration and unity

    Award Background:

  • Inaugural award held in 2025 (announced February 1, 2025 at Celebration for Education gala)

  • Inaugural award received 30+ nominations

  • Now an annual award with permanent plaques at each school
  • 2025 Winners:

  • Tammy Burns – MEF-Funded Reading Interventionist at Thrasher Elementary

  • Jessica Matukewicz – 3rd Grade Teacher at Nolan Elementary

  • Allison Mulloy – Art Teacher at Signal Mountain Middle School

  • William Greer – German Teacher at Signal Mountain High School
  • Funder: Mountain Education Foundation Inc (TN, US)
    Contact: info@MEFtoday.org | PO Box 81, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 | 2650 Sam Powell Trail, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
    Presentation: Awards presented by MEF Board Chair, each school's principal, and PTA/PTSA president

    How to Apply

    Nomination Process

    The award operates through a nomination system rather than a direct application process.

    Key Details:

  • Who can nominate: Community members (specific nomination process details not provided)

  • Eligibility: All school personnel employed at a Signal Mountain school for minimum 3 years

  • Selection: MEF selection committee reviews nominations and selects one winner from each school

  • Announcement: Winners announced annually at MEF's Celebration for Education gala event
  • Contact for More Information:
    info@MEFtoday.org

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    teachersteacher-developmentk-12-schoolsfoundation

    Categories

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