Everyone remembers a favorite teacher, someone who motivates and inspires students for a lifetime. Minnesotans have the opportunity again this fall to nominate that unique educator for 2012 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Nominations open Oct. 3 and remain open through Nov. 15. Nominations can be submitted online by accessing a simple nomination form at www.educationminnesota.org. The 2012 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony May 5, 2012. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year also becomes Minnesota’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Eligible nominees must:

• Teach in a public or nonpublic Pre-K through 12th-grade school.

• Hold a baccalaureate degree and a Minnesota teaching license.

• Have completed three years of teaching by the nomination deadline, and

• Intend to teach during the 2012-13 school year.

Anyone may nominate a teacher. Self-nominations are also accepted. The state program has been highly successful nationally — Minnesota ranks second behind California with four National Teachers of the Year.

For more information or to receive a nomination form, call Chris Carlin at 651-292-4875 or 800-652-9073.