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 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Nominations will be open through Nov. 15. Nominations can be submitted online by accessing a simple nomination form on www.educationminnesota.org starting Oct. 1. The 2017 Teacher of the Year will be named at a ceremony May 7, 2017, at Radisson Blu Mall of America. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year also becomes Minnesota’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

Eligible nominees must meet these criteria:

• Teach in a public or nonpublic Pre-K through 12th-grade school, working at least 50 percent of the time directly with students.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree and a Minnesota teaching license.

• Have completed three years of teaching by the nomination deadline.

• Intend to teach during the 2017-18 school year.

Anyone may nominate a teacher. Self-nominations are also accepted.

According to a press release, 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 Megan McKeen at 651-292-4872 or 800-652-9073.