MTOY NETWORK OBJECTIVES

For more than 50 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the VOYA Foundation, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Michigan has participated in this program since 1952, recognizing the great contributions outstanding teachers make to the state and to the learning community. The Michigan Teachers of the Year (MTOY) is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the State Board of Education (SBE), and the Meemic Foundation.

The Michigan Department of Education facilitates the selection of a teacher of excellence. The process begins at the regional level, and each year 10 regional finalists vie to be named Michigan Teacher of the Year who is announced in April each year.

The MTOY Network has been established to advance and promote the profession of teaching by recognizing excellence and sharing knowledge and innovation.  The MTOY Network is the Michigan Chapter of the NNSTOY which was organized in 2018 by an inaugural team of Michigan Teachers of the Year.  Founding members of the chapter include:

• Matinga Ragatz - Class of 2011
• Rick Joseph - Class of 2016
• June Teisan - Class of 2008
• Melody Arabo – Class of 2015

• Serve as education experts in the legislative process 
• Provide a forum for Michigan Teachers of the Year and Associate Members to network
• Provide opportunities for the Michigan Teachers of the Year and Associate Members to impact education innovation and policy 
• Participate in community service experiences
• Maintain a brain-trust of teacher leaders who impact educator recruitment and retention
• Empower teacher leaders across the state 
• Maintain communication with the National Network of State Teachers of the Year

• Speaker Resource for Michigan Colleges of Education
• Educate and Inspire through Legislative Days
• Host the MTOY Welcome Luncheon
• Mentors for current MTOY