KISD joins Teacher of the Year Program

The Texas State Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program has honored excellence in the classroom since 1969 and has provided a forum to recognize many outstanding educators whose efforts have inspired their students, colleagues and communities that they serve.

Jody Clements, Kilgore Independent School District superintendent said this program recognizes an elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas and KISD has chosen to begin participating in this excellent program. "The process of naming a State Teacher of the Year begins on the local campus level and proceeds to the district, regional and state level," said Clements. "As a district we have formed a committee of community stakeholders that will be involved in the process of naming the campus and district teachers of the year."

This committee will take nominations from administrators, teachers, students and community members said Clements. "From these nominees the committee will select campus winners," said Clements. "Campus winners will be considered for the Elementary (Headstart- 5th) and Secondary (6-12) Teacher of the Year. The Elementary and Secondary winners will represent Kilgore ISD in the Region 7 ESC selection."

Clements said the criteria below was provided by the state and is used to assist the local districts in determining their candidates.

The Teacher of the Year Candidate should: be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher; Inspire students in all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; play an active and useful role in the community , as well as in the school; and goes above and beyond to meet student needs.

Clements said the committee will consider each of these criteria and make a determination of the Teacher of the Year. The timeline for the program will be as follows: April 8 Nominations forms are available on the KISD website, nominations are due back by April 25 by 3:30 p.m. in the superintendents office.

Clements said on May 16 the individual campus winners will be announced, one winner from each of the KISD campuses and on May 30 the Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year will be announced.