The VFW  enacted the Teacher of the Year award contest in 1999 as a way to identify and recognize America’s best educators. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top teachers who instill a sense of national pride in students by teaching citizenship education topics regularly and promoting America’s history and traditions effectively.

       Teachers can be nominated by fellow teachers, students, supervisors or other interested individuals. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism, and strive to help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs are prime candidates for the award 

Let's not forget about the Smart / Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.