Recognizing excellence in teaching is essential to promoting quality education and celebrating dedicated educators. Whether you’re a principal, department head, or fellow teacher, a letter of recommendation for Teacher of the Year can make a meaningful impact on a nominee’s chances.
In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step breakdown, a ready-to-use template, and downloadable Word & PDF versions — perfect for schools, school districts, or educational organizations in the United States.
What Makes a Strong Teacher of the Year Nomination Letter?
✅ 1. Highlight Specific Achievements
Use measurable accomplishments, such as:
Raised student performance by 20%
Implemented an innovative learning program
Organized community service projects
✅ 2. Reflect Their Character and Teaching Philosophy
Describe their:
Commitment to inclusive education
Passion for lifelong learning
Ability to connect with students
✅ 3. Align with Award Criteria
Most Teacher of the Year programs (like NEA’s program) look for:
Educational impact
Leadership in the school community
Dedication to student development
Sample Letter of Recommendation for Teacher of the Year
[Your Name]
Principal, [School Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I recommend Mrs. Amanda Johnson for the Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Johnson has served as a 5th-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School for over ten years, consistently demonstrating passion, innovation, and excellence in education.
Her dedication goes beyond the classroom. She founded the school’s Literacy Mentorship Program, which improved reading comprehension scores by 28% over two years. Her lessons are engaging, student-centered, and often incorporate real-world applications that inspire critical thinking and creativity.
Amanda is not only an exceptional educator but a mentor to new teachers and a leader within our school community. Her integrity, compassion, and commitment make her an ideal candidate for this prestigious recognition.
I wholeheartedly endorse her nomination and am confident she will continue to inspire excellence in education for years to come.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Principal, Lincoln Elementary School
Download the Template
Download this professionally formatted Teacher of the Year letter template:
✍️ Tips for Writing a Teacher of the Year Recommendation
Keep it concise (1 page)
Use formal language but make it personal
Back up praise with real achievements
Reflect the nominee’s impact on students and school culture
Related Resources
Letter Of Thanks For A Service Performed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who can write a Teacher of the Year recommendation?
Anyone familiar with the teacher’s work — such as a principal, fellow educator, or school board member — can write the letter.
Q2: How long should the letter be?
One page is ideal. Focus on quality over quantity.
Q3: Can I reuse this template?
Yes! It’s designed to be customized easily for different schools and districts.
Call to Action
Support an outstanding teacher today. Use our sample, personalize it, and submit a compelling recommendation that can help your nominee shine!
How to write a letter of recommendation for teacher of the year and what should a teacher letter of recommendation include?
Below are steps to write a letter of recommendation for teacher of the year:
- Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the teacher.
- Explain the reason for the teacher is a great candidate for Teacher of the Year.
- Describe the teacher’s innovation and passion for teaching.
- Highlight the teacher’s accomplishments, such as awards and recognition.
- Narrate how the teacher is a role model for students.
- Mention the teacher’s commitment to students’ education and success.
- Describe how the teacher has exceeded the expectation to help students.
- Express your confidence in the teacher’s abilities and potential for future success.
- Close the letter with a strong endorsement of the teacher’s candidacy for Teacher of the Year.
Sample letter :
To the Selection Committee,
It is my great pleasure to recommend Mrs. Jane Doe for Teacher of the Year. I have had the privilege of teaching alongside Mrs. Doe for the past five years, and I can attest to her outstanding qualities as an educator.
Mrs. Doe is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator who strives to create an engaging learning environment for her students. She always goes the extra mile to ensure her students are challenged and supported in their learning. She designs creative and competent lesson plans to engage her students and help them understand challenging concepts. Mrs. Doe also makes a point to get to know her students on a particular level and to comprehend their specific needs and learning styles. She is an expert at differentiating instruction and modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of her students.
Mrs. Doe is also highly organized and reliable. She is always prepared for class and is always ready to help with extra duties and responsibilities. She has also been a leader in our school when the situation entails to implementing new technologies and strategies. Her enthusiasm and leadership have been motivating all the teachers in our school.
In my opinion, Mrs. Doe is an outstanding educator who deserves to be honored as Teacher of the Year. She is an incredible teacher and an even better person. She surely deserves this award, and I am confident that she will make an excellent recipient.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
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