In many people's lives there is at least one teacher who inspired them, and helped them become who they are today. In our early years, when we are still being formed, they often see in us more than we see in ourselves, more than our families see and, as a result, help us to evolve into who we ultimately become. These inspirational people are not often recognized for the life changing role they have played. These are the teachers who define us, teachers who widen our horizons and encourage us to explore. These teachers are touchstones to paths of achieving more than we might have otherwise accomplished, in directions we might not have gone. To celebrate the significant role of teachers in society, The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will spotlight some of the country’s most inspirational teachers and recognize them for their contributions.

The Award
Each year, The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will solicit nominations from the general public and notable public figures, providing the opportunity to submit stories about teachers and professors who made a significant difference in their lives.

On March 22, Stephen Sondheim's birthday, a select number of these teachers will each receive The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award - $10,000 in appreciation for their contributions to the field of teaching. Awardees will also be showcased, along with the people they inspired, on The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards web site.

The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards were created in honor of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday and were initiated and funded through the generous support of Freddie and Myrna Gershon.
Eligibility
For The Students (Nominators):

• Nominators must be at least 18 years of age


• Nominators must have been the Nominee’s student; no nominations by peers, parents of students, etc. will be accepted.

For The Teachers (Nominees):

• Nominees must be legal residents of the United States


• Nominees must teach or have taught in a K-12 school, or college, or university in the United States


• Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas are eligible

How to Nominate Your Teacher:
Nominations for the 2012 cycle of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will be accepted starting September 6, 2011.

Did you have a teacher who inspired you? One who changed your life? Is there a teacher you credit with helping you become the person you are today? Do you remember a specific interaction with your teacher that proved to be a moment of inspiration and transformation? Share your story.

• Create your written, audio, or video story. The content and quality of the story is more important than the format you choose. The story should be a detailed account of a single, specific interaction with your teacher that had a significant impact on you - a moment of transformation or inspiration. For example, read Kathleen Parker's, A sprig of verbena and the gifts of a great teacher" and the award-winning stories submitted by Melanie Chancy, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and David Pogue. Submissions that are general accolades or a list of a teacher's awards and accomplishments are less likely to be selected for the award. Written submissions must not exceed 500 words and must be in plain text (.txt) or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) formats. Audio or video submissions must not exceed 3 minutes. Video must be in AVI or WMV format, minimum resolution 320x240. Audio must be in MP3 or WAV format.


• Complete the online nomination form or download the form . In order to complete the nomination, you will need to provide contact information for the teacher you are nominating. Do your best to provide accurate contact information. If you submit a great story but we are unable to locate your teacher, we will not be able to consider her/him for the Award.


• All required materials must be submitted online or postmarked by the deadline, Friday, December 16, 2011.

The application deadline is Friday, December 16, 2011.

Questions? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or contact The Kennedy Center dl@kennedy-center.org