VFW Post 7824 • 2026–2027
Educator of the Year
Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award
Help VFW Post 7824 recognize educators who inspire students through citizenship education, community involvement, innovation, and a commitment to student success.
Help us recognize outstanding local educators
VFW Post 7824 is asking our community to identify and nominate deserving educators from elementary, middle, and high schools.
Completed nomination packets must be received by midnight, .
The nominator is responsible for making sure the completed packet reaches a participating VFW Post by the deadline. If submitting to Post 7824 electronically, please request confirmation that your complete packet was received.
Who is eligible?
Current certified or licensed teachers in grades K–12 are eligible. Previous national VFW Teacher Award winners are not eligible.
Grade levels
- Elementary: grades K–5
- Middle school: grades 6–8
- High school: grades 9–12
Who may nominate?
Teachers may nominate themselves. Nominations may also be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors, family members, or other interested individuals.
Educators to consider
Strong candidates are educators who help students understand and practice good citizenship.
Examples may include teachers who:
- Promote civic responsibility and community service.
- Teach students about American history and traditions.
- Teach or model proper flag etiquette.
- Invite veterans or community leaders into the classroom.
- Organize volunteer projects, educational field trips, or civic activities.
- Use innovative approaches to help students understand citizenship and community involvement.
What to submit
A complete nomination packet should include:
- The completed and signed official 2026–2027 entry form.
- A resume of at least one page.
- Supporting documentation, with the resume and all supporting material limited to no more than five pages total.
- A head-and-shoulders photograph of the educator, if available.
Supporting material may include references, news articles, examples of educational programs, or other documentation demonstrating the educator's work.
National recognition
The VFW selects national recipients representing the elementary, middle school, and high school categories.
Current national awards for each category include:
- $1,000 for the educator's professional development.
- $1,000 for the educator's school.
- Commemorative plaques.
- An expense-paid trip to the VFW National Convention.
How the program advances
All nominations begin at the local participating VFW Post level. Post winners may advance through District and Department judging before consideration at the national level.
Post 7824 will review eligible local nominations and follow the VFW's current advancement procedures.
Submitting a nomination does not guarantee advancement or selection.
How nominations are judged
The national program uses four judging areas. Each area is worth up to 25 points.
Citizenship
How effectively does the educator encourage or model good citizenship and community involvement?
Innovation
How effectively does the educator use new ideas, tools, resources, or approaches to engage students?
Resources
How effectively does the educator identify and use classroom resources, outside organizations, community expertise, speakers, field trips, or other opportunities?
Passion
How strongly does the educator demonstrate dedication to teaching, professional growth, student encouragement, and individual student success?
Submit a nomination to VFW Post 7824
Contact the VFW Post 7824 Youth Activities Chairman for assistance with the nomination process or to submit a completed electronic nomination packet.
VFW Post 7824400 N. Andresen Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
youth@vfw7824.org
Please contact the Post before delivering a paper nomination packet so a handoff can be arranged.
VFW Post 7824 • Educator of the Year • Version 1.1.0 • Updated September 19, 2026
