A California Teacher of the Year (CA TOY) serves as an ambassador of the profession. As such, the teacher articulates the many ways that teachers contribute to the profession. He or she conveys, both orally and in writing; in person and through various media, ideas on current issues and challenges that confront the profession. The teacher responds meaningfully, thoughtfully, and concisely to concerns raised in public forums -- concerns that range from specific (such as how to resolve a playground argument) to general statewide impact (such as credentialing requirements). The teacher may be asked to explain a specific program, instructional strategy, or activity that he or she has developed; how those efforts benefited students; and how the experiences might help other schools and teachers. A CA TOY may also be asked to conduct demonstration lessons or contribute to teacher recruitment efforts.
CA TOYs serve from January to December for their year of service. In past years, teachers have been called away from their classrooms for as many as 30 instructional days over a period of three to five years, and several days in following years. The employer of each CA TOY is responsible for any costs associated with necessary release time without adversely affecting the applicant's salary or benefits. In addition, CA TOYs will be expected to travel to Sacramento several times during their year of service and approximately 1 to 2 times a year for the next ten years. The district or county will be expected to cover substitute teacher fees, as well as travel expenses, when necessary.
IMPORTANT! The teacher selected as the candidate to the National Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program will attend a conference in a host state in January/February of their year of service. Airfare, lodging, and meals are provided for this conference. However, the teacher's district or county is responsible for the registration fee for this conference. In addition, the teacher selected as the candidate to the National TOY Program will attend a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. in the spring of their year of service. If selected as National TOY, the candidate would be required to be out of the classroom for their year of service in order to meet a rigorous schedule consisting of interviews, site visits, speeches, and other presentations around the nation. The employer of the candidate selected as National TOY will be responsible for any costs associated with necessary release time without adversely affecting the applicant's salary or benefits.