AFA Teacher of the Year Program Update Air Force Association Aerospace Education Council Meeting March 15-16 2013 AFA Teacher of the Year Program Update

AFA Teacher of the Year Program All AFA Teacher of the Year application forms have been updated and are currently found at the TOY links and in the Library’s forms section of the AFA website. The forms include all directions and can be electronically submitted along with the electronic attachments provided by the applicants. The Chapter and State TOY applications are combined on one form for ease of transmittal from chapter to state. The National TOY is a stand-alone document as the criteria is much different than the two other levels. The AFA website has updated the information about the new opportunity for 2013 to have two Chapter TOYs: one at the K-8 level; one at the 9-12 level. The new forms accommodate this with current information and directions for submission.

AFA Teacher of the Year Program Promotion of the Chapter TOY program continues to be an item of discussion. Ideas to get the word out to area educators include: Conducting an educator workshop and provide information there. Connect with local schools and give the principal a flier the chapter has designed. Connect with any educators in family, church, community organizations , etc. with which chapter members are affiliated. (A generic flier is in the process of development to share with chapters for input and approval through the Field Council process,) Make every effort to promote to the media the Chapter TOY award presentation so others will be aware of the program.

AFA Teacher of the Year Program Each chapter and state has its own timeline and award plan, many including enhancements to the award components provided by AFA HQ. Such enhancements include special banquets and presentations; extra award money; and special trips, professional development, and other experiences for the TOY(s). Some states award their Chapter and State TOYs at varying times during the year, while others try to have a set deadline for applications to be completed. The deadline option, although each state’s choice whether or not to have one, appears to help keep chapters focused on the TOY program with a set deadline on the annual calendar.

AFA Teacher of the Year Program A Regional TOY program has been discussed, but current funding does not accommodate this option. Enhancement of the National TOY program is still being discussed. Will look at option of designing a special National AFA TOY pin. A national travel tour for the national representative educator has been discussed, but time, money, and purpose are items to continue to consider before moving forward on this concept. Ideas for program improvement, promotion of the program to educators, and program recognition will all be discussed in coming months in preparation for the 2014 year. Suggestions are welcome!.