The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 308 is accepting nominations for its Teacher of the Year award.

Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette, and patriotism are prime candidates for the award. Members of the community are asked to nominate teachers who inspire young Americans and encourage them to become involved with civic projects that foster patriotism. Teachers who teach anything that helps students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs are eligible for the award.

Based on the nominees submitted, VFW's local chapters recognize one outstanding teacher in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The local posts then submit their winning names to their district level judging. From there, the selected winners are forwarded to the state level for judging. Once they are judged on a state level, the winners are passed along to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.

All current Newtown classroom teachers, teaching at least half of the school day in a classroom environment, are eligible. Nominations can be submitted by anyone familiar with Newtown teachers. Nominators do not need to live in town and the teachers nominated do not need to be Newtown residents. Nominations can be made by school parents/grandparents or guardians, fellow teachers, supervisors, or other interested individuals. Nominations submitted by relatives or self-nominees will not eligible.

To nominate a teacher for the award, submit 350 words or less describing why the teacher is deserving of the award - be sure to describe the teacher's innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his or her dedication to education - along with a completed Teacher Award nomination form, available by e-mailing VFW Post 308 Chairperson Donna Monteleone Randle at ndrandle@charter.net or by calling the assistant superintendent's office, 203-426-7616. Applications must be submitted by February 15 by e-mail to Ms Randle or mailed to Donna Monteleone Randle, 4 Erin Lane, Sandy Hook CT 06482.