The Firebirds need your vote for the fourth Annual Flint Firebirds Foundation Teacher of the Year award(s)! The three nomination categories are the following:

– Elementary School Teacher (Preschool – 5th grade)
– Secondary Education Teacher (6th – 12th grade).
– NEW: Education Support Staff (Preschool – 12th grade): Clerical Service, Custodial/Maintenance, Food Service, Health and Student Services, Paraeducators, Security Guards, Skilled Trades, Technical Service (IT), and Transportation Services.

The award recipients will be recognized during a special pre-game ceremony prior to the game at Education Appreciation Night sponsored by Sovita Credit Union & the Michigan Education Association on Saturday, March 7th at 7 p.m. vs. the Windsor Spitfires.

 

To be eligible for Teacher of the Year, nominees must:

– Have a valid Michigan teaching certificate.

– Works directly with students in their current role.

– Recommended by someone other than themselves.

– Must be a current employee of a Preschool – 12th grade educator or education support staff.

Nominee criteria:

– Exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled.

– Goes above and beyond their call of duty.

– Is supportive of the learning environment.

– Develops relationships with students and staff.

“Teacher of the Year” Nomination and Voting Timeline: 
– Nomination Period: Ends Thursday, January 29th.
– Voting Period: Thursday, February 5th to Thursday, February 12th at 7PM. 
– Top 10 Final Vote Period: Monday, February 16th to Monday, February 23rd.
** Finalists will be contacted following the conclusion of the final voting period  **
** Timeline dates subject to change **

Finalists will be contacted by the Firebirds, Sovita Credit Union and the Michigan Education Association.

Previous Flint Firebirds Foundation “Teacher of the Year” Winners:
– 2023: Karen Sleno, Flushing High School
– 2024: Elementary Winner – William Webb, Clio Intermediate & Secondary Education Winner – Amy Graham, Kearsley High School
– 2025: Elementary Winner – Makayla McDaniels, Carmen Ainsworth Dillion Elementary & Secondary Education Winner – Jason Croucher, Chesaning Middle School

** Previous Teacher of the Year Winners are exempt from nomination and winning for up to 5 years **