Teacher of the Year
A Teacher of the Year candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled classroom teacher from any state-approved or accredited school, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who is certified in the State of New Hampshire, demonstrates leadership and intends to continue in the teaching profession.

The Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education selects one exceptionally skilled and dedicated teacher to serve as an ambassador for all the excellent teachers in our state. Selecting a Teacher of the Year is an exceptional way to celebrate the many outstanding and dedicated people teaching in New Hampshire schools.
The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is capable of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide. This individual: has the respect and admiration of their colleagues; is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence; collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success; deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large; demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning; expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way; and is committed to improving education.
Nominations for the 2025 Teacher of the Year will open in January 2024.
Do you know an outstanding teacher who would be an excellent representative of New Hampshire? Any skilled, certified pre-K through 12th grade teacher from any state-approved or accredited school can be nominated by completing the form below. Once your nomination is received, an email will be sent to the teacher letting them know they have been nominated, along with the application and an explanation of the process. It is then the teacher's decision whether to move forward in the process by filling out the application by the deadline.
2024 Teacher of the Year Program
Press Release 5/26/23 - 20 semi-finalists announced
Meet all of the 2024 Teacher of the Year nominees (updated with semi-finalist info)
2023 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year - Christian Cheetham!
Press release 10/24/22 - 2023 Teacher of the Year announcement
Press release 8/15/22 - Top four finalists announced for 2023 Teacher of the Year
Press release 6/1/22 - Ten teachers selected as semi-finalists for the 2023 Teacher of the Year Award
Meet all of the 2023 nominees (updated with finalist info)
To request the 2023 NH Teacher of the Year, Christian Cheetham, to speak at an event, please contact Stacey MacStravic at stacey.a.macstravic1@doe.nh.gov
2022 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year - Sara Casassa
- NH Teacher of the Year aims to build bridges, forge connections
- South Hampton educator named New Hampshire's 2022 Teacher of the Year
- Meet all of the 2022 Teacher of the Year Nominees (updated with all finalist information)
Sara Casassa, 2022 NH Teacher of the Year
Previous Teachers of the Year
Contact
Recognition and Award Programs Coordinator
Stacey MacStravic
New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
Stacey.A.MacStravic1@doe.nh.gov