News release by Michigan City Area Schools:

Michigan City Area Schools is pleased to announce the launch of a new Teacher and Employee of the Year recognition program. This initiative will celebrate outstanding educators and staff members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and commitment to students.

The Teacher and Employee of the Year program will honor individuals who have gone above and beyond, making a positive impact on students, colleagues, and the community. Recipients will include an:

Elementary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Support Staff Employee of the Year
Transportation Employee of the Year
Food Service Employee of the Year

The program will honor staff from every area, including teachers and other certified staff (counselors, instructional coaches, success coaches, social workers, and nurses), educational support staff (instructional assistants, paraprofessionals, secretaries, EAP assistants etc.), transportation staff (bus drivers, mechanics, and monitors), and food service staff. Administrators and managers are not eligible to receive the award.

Nominations are now open, and anyone can nominate a deserving teacher or staff member by visiting http://educateMC.net/TOY_EOY. Printed nomination forms are also available at any MCAS school or at the MCAS Administration Building, 408 S. Carroll Avenue, Michigan City.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Teacher and Employee of the Year program to our school community. Our employees play a vital role in shaping the future of our students, and this is one way to honor their commitment, professionalism, and dedication,” said MCAS Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins. “We encourage everyone to participate by nominating individuals who have made a significant difference for them.”

Nominations will be accepted until November 30. School-level finalists will be celebrated in January, and district winners will be announced in early April. The MCAS Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will advance for consideration in the Indiana Teacher of the Year program.

The MCAS Teacher and Employee of the Year program is supported by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, which will play a role in honoring the recipients of the district-level honors. For more information, visit http://educateMC.net/TOY_EOY.