Teacher Award

Post 1760 is an active sponsor for the VFW Teacher of the Year annual competition. Without our nation’s veterans and teachers, America wouldn’t be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated with the 2025 nomination form, review rules and eligibility requirements here.

VFW Cares About Education

Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators. VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.

VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. It offers awards, commendations and all-expense-paid trips to the VFW National Convention for these worthy teachers. The trip provides an opportunity for winners to network with like-minded individuals.

And now you can…

VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively.

Teachers who promote civic responsibility, f lag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor them today with the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

How Does the Contest Work?

Based on the nominees submitted, VFW chapters, called Posts, will recognize teachers in the following categories, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts then submit these winners’ names and required documents to their District-level judging, who will forward their winners to the Department (or state) level. If your Department does not have a District judging, then submit to your Department Headquarters by Jan. 1. After judging, each Department then forwards their winners to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national awards contest.

Who is eligible?

All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national VFW winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.

Nominate Someone Deserving

Have a teacher in mind? Complete the nomination form and see below for additional recommended documentation, then submit it to your local VFW Post. The investment that a teacher makes in today’s youth will be the dividends we will all reap from future leaders.

How are Teachers Nominated?

Fill out the nomination form here, and provide a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and-shoulder photo if available.

Please submit your completed nomination form to Post 1760, or go to VFW’s in Phoenix, or visit www.vfw.org/find-a-post for Post locations nationwide. You can also call VFW Programs Department at (816) 756-3390 ext. 6287 to find the Post nearest to you.

When is the deadline?

Nominations must be submitted to VFW Post 1760 (or another local Post) by October 31. Judging occurs November 1-15.

What is the National awards?

• Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards include the items below:A national $1,000 Smart/Maher award for each of the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses
• $1,000 award for each winning teachers’ school.
• An all-expenses-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.

 VFW National citation for both the winning teacher and their school in each grade category.

NOTE: (The winner will receive a 1099-MISC as a result of their award and all-expense paid trip.)

Download nomination form.