The Massachusetts State Teacher of the Year (STOY) is a teacher who has been recognized for making a positive impact on student learning and well-being; using student-centered, innovative approaches to teaching and learning; and demonstrating leadership within and beyond the classroom. The Teacher of the Year will serve as a liaison to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and as an ambassador to other teachers in the Commonwealth. Go to Program Overview to learn more about this opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements
The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year must:
Have completed at least four years of teaching experience;
Spend the majority of their school day in direct instruction of students;
Possess an active and valid Massachusetts teaching license for the subject and grade level they teach;
Be a full-time teacher in a PK–12 public school, including charter schools.
Note: Co-teachers who are applying together must teach in the same classroom at the same time and be responsible for the same students.
Application Process and Timelines
Teachers can apply to be Teacher of the Year themselves or be nominated by a colleague, student, family member, or other member of their school community. Teachers who are nominated will be invited to apply.
Nominations will be accepted until Monday, February 3. Applications for the 2026 Teacher of the Year will open soon!
Selection Round | When? | What is required? |
|---|---|---|
Round 1: Initial application | Due 2/10/25 by 11:59 p.m. | Applicants will submit: |
Round 2: Video Observation and Reflection | March 2025 | Based on the initial application, a set of applicants will be asked to submit a teaching video, reflections, and recommendation video/letters. |
Round 3: Semifinalists | April 2025 | 8–12 semifinalists will participate in phone interviews and reference calls. The superintendent for each semifinalist will be notified and asked to submit an endorsement form. |
Round 4: Finalists | May/June 2025 | 3–4 finalists will open their classroom for an observation by members of the selection team and participate in a panel interview with former Teachers of the Year and DESE staff. 1–2 finalists will be recommended for a final meeting with the Commissioner |
Announcement | Fall 2025 | The 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year will be announced. |