Top five reasons you should apply for the Toyota Teacher of the Year award

Have you heard of the Toyota Teacher of the Year award? Each year this award gives an outstanding educator $20,000 to support an innovative family engagement project and significant national recognition for his/her exemplary work with families. The winner also receives a scholarship to attend the 2013 National Conference on Family Literacy. One national runner-up will receive a $2,500 grant for his/her program and a scholarship to the conference. Apply now>>

Last year’s Teacher of the Year Shari Brown, instructor at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in North Carolina, shares her reasons why you should apply for this award:

1. The award showcases teachers as role models and gives students a sense of pride in their teachers.
2. The award provides you with a platform to speak about educational issues relating to family literacy.
3. You gain positive exposure for your family literacy program in the community and the award gives the community a sense of pride.
4. The award allows you the opportunity to collaborate and share experiences with other teachers, leaders, and advocates in the field of family literacy.
5. The award funds innovative ideas that would go “undone” because of lack of funding.

Now you know why to apply; time to act fast! Less than two days remain to apply for 2013 — applications close February 13! Apply now>>

Need some inspiration for your family engagement project? Click here to learn how Shari used the award to fund a community garden.