Without our nation's Veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions, and the role of our Veterans in creating and shaping America.
The VFW Teacher-of-the-Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a certified/licensed Elementary, Middle School, and High School Teacher whose curriculum focuses on America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
VFW Post 12002 is proud to support this program each year. In addition to an official Certificate of Recognition, the winning Teacher in each of the three categories also receives a $200 honorarium from the Post and is entered in the State competition.
[ The total cost of last year's program was underwritten by an educational grant
from Operation Santa Charities, Inc., a Georgia-based Charity ]
The Department of Georgia gives cash prizes to the State winner in each category and hosts them and their families at the State Convention in Macon in June.
At the National level, the winners receive ...
- A $1,000 cash award for Professional Development expenses
- A $1,000 cash award for their School
- Two commemorative Plaques - one for the Teacher, the other for their School
- An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award
How to Nominate a Teacher
1. Review the Rules and Eligibility Requirements
3. Write a Nomination Letter
4. eMail the Nomination Form and Letter to the Program Chairman :
Ron Cowan 404-509-1700 roncowan@bellsouth.net
5. Notify the Teacher you are nominating to start preparing the
following supporting documents (5 pages maximum) :
Resume [Required]
References [Optional]
Recommendation Letters [Optional]
News Articles [Optional]
[ to facilitate processing, all documents should be PDF files ]
Once the Nomination Form and Letter are received, the Program Chairman will
contact the Teacher to get the supporting documents and will prepare a complete
package for submittal to the Judges for evaluation.
[ The deadline for submitting complete entries to the Post is October 31, 2024 ]
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Click here to learn about the VFW's Essay Contest for Middle School students.
Click here to learn about the VFW's Essay Contest for High School students.
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2023-2024 National Winners
Eugene V. Struzik III, an Air Force veteran and fifth-grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Dodge City, Kansas, has been selected to receive its 2024 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the elementary school level. Sponsored by Howard Gotschall VFW Post 1714 in Dodge City, Kansas, Struzik was chosen for his passion and work to instill a sense of appreciation and patriotism amongst his students and community. From coordinating a Veterans Day commemoration to his work establishing Project Mail Call : Honoring Our Veterans. This allowed his students the opportunity to write several cards to Veterans embarking on a Kansas Honor Flight.
Monica Galloway, an Army Veteran and sixth-grade math teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School in Laurel, Maryland, has been selected to receive its 2024 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the middle school level. Sponsored by J. Paul Duke Jr. Memorial VFW Post 9376 in Clinton, Maryland, Galloway was chosen for her dedication to increasing participation in her county’s Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program and her implementation of "Immigrant Experiences,” and instructional program to help promote diversity and build stronger, culturally responsive and supportive classrooms.
Edward M. Graf, an Army Veteran and high school social studies teacher at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School in Bridgewater, New Jersey, has been selected to receive its Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the high school level. Sponsored by Bernardsville Memorial VFW Post 7858 in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Graf was chosen for the continued passion and energy he brings to his classroom, and for the dedication to honoring America’s service members, veterans and Gold Star families through multiple student-led events and his establishment of "Proud to be an American Day” which honors the service and ultimate sacrifice paid by our nation’s armed forces.
