Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award Grant

Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Education Minnesota
Last Updated: September 14, 2025

Summary

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding educators who inspire students and elevate the teaching profession. Nominations for 2026 are now open, inviting communities to recognize exceptional teachers who embody dedication and excellence. The award will be presented on May 3, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates local talent but also positions the winner as Minnesota’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year.

Overview

Note: Nomination forms must be on file in the state program office. About Us From preservice teachers who are studying to enter the profession to retired educators who still work through the union to support colleagues in the classrooms, lunchrooms and college lecture halls, Education Minnesota spans generations in academic settings. Who we are Education Minnesota is the leading advocate for public education in Minnesota. Our 84,000-plus members work in pre-K-12 schools and higher education institutions statewide. How we work A union is not an outside organization or a third party: it is a democratic organization run by its members who make decisions and set direction on their own behalf. Nominations open for 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Everyone remembers a favorite teacher, someone who motivates and inspires students for a lifetime. Minnesotans have the opportunity again this year to nominate that unique educator for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony May 3, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year also becomes Minnesota’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible nominees must meet these criteria:  Teach in a public or nonpublic pre-kindergarten-12th grade school, or in an Adult Basic Education or ECFE program, working at least 50 percent of the time directly with students.  Hold a bachelor’s degree and a current Minnesota teaching license. Have completed at least five full years of teaching by the nomination deadline. Intend to teach in Minnesota during the 2026-27 school year.  Anyone may nominate a teacher. Self-nominations are also accepted.