The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting applications for the 2016 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. This program recognizes outstanding Ventura County teachers for the dedication and innovation they bring to their students and highlights the contributions local teachers make in our schools every day.

Candidates must be nominated by a school district, charter school, private school or service club and be at least one of the following:
• A fully credentialed pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher at a Ventura County public or private school
• A teacher who has previously been selected as a school district, charter school, private school, or service club’s Teacher of the Year within Ventura County
• A teacher of adults who provides instruction in the same curriculum as those who teach in elementary or secondary grades
• A teacher who has some administrative duties, but for whom teaching is the primary responsibility
The application is available at: http://goo.gl/238xHi and the deadline is May 5, 2016.

The Teacher of the Year program is administered by the Ventura County Office of Education. A panel of educators selects the winner based on the candidate’s essay, experience and an introductory letter from their sponsor. The winning Ventura County Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for the 2017 California Teacher of the Year award. The first Ventura County Teacher of the Year was named in 1973. The VCOE website has a list of past winners and additional information about the Teacher of the Year program.

About the Ventura County Office of Education
The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.