Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee Staff of the Year

A blue banner with sparkling stars featuring the text "Teacher of the Year & Support Staff Employee of the Year" next to a book and grain logo.
A side-by-side photo collage showing award recipients being celebrated in a classroom and a hallway. On the left, a man holds an award certificate while standing with students and "Congrats" balloons. On the right, two men in professional attire stand with an award winner holding a certificate and balloons in a school hallway.

Celebrate Excellence: Staff Award Nominations

Grain Valley Schools invites you — our employees, students, parents, families, and community members — to submit nominations for the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year award. These awards speak to the outstanding individuals that work in our district and highlight the dedication, heart, and hard work that make our schools a great place to learn and grow.

Nominations for the 2025-2026 school year are open through January 31, 2026.


Nominate a Teacher

Grain Valley Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year Award is an annual recognition that honors the exceptional certified educators in Grain Valley Schools. Sponsored by Grain Valley Chiropractic, LLC, the Teacher of the Year receives a $500 grant and the opportunity to serve as Grain Valley Schools nomination for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher of the Year Award.

Who is eligible?

Grain Valley Certified Staff are eligible to be nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. Nominees must have at least one year of service in the district, and must intend to teach in Grain Valley Schools the following year.

  • Certified Staff Include:
    • Teachers
    • Counselors
    • Library Media Specialists
    • Speech Language Pathologists 

Note: Administrators and Directors are not eligible. Previous winners from the last five years are ineligible; however, previous nominees are encouraged to be nominated again!

The Road to the Award

  • February: A "Surprise Squad" visits classrooms to announce 3–6 finalists.
  • March: Finalists interview with a panel of outside education professionals.
  • March 31st: Winners are announced.
  • Recognition: The winner is honored at a Board meeting, featured on the District Office plaque, and invited to speak at the August Convocation.

 

A teacher in a pink patterned blouse leans in to talk with four students working on laptops in a busy, collaborative classroom.

Nominate Support Staff

Support Staff Employee of the Year

Grain Valley Schools couldn't run without our incredible support team. Sponsored by Grain Valley Chiropractic, LLC, this award includes a $100 gift for the honoree.

Who is Eligible?
All non-certified employees in Grain Valley Schools are eligible to be nominated for the Support Staff Employee of the Year. All nominees must have at least one year of service in the district, and intend to work in Grain Valley Schools the following year.

  • Classified Staff Include:
    • Maintenance
    • Food Service
    • Secretarial
    • Transportation
    • Paraprofessionals
    • Physical Therapists
    • Occupational Therapists
    • Speech Language Pathologists 
    • Non-Certified Employees

Previous winners from the last five years are ineligible; however, previous nominees are encouraged to be nominated again!

The Road to the Award

  • February: The "Surprise Squad" visits departments to announce 3–6 finalists.
  • March: Finalists participate in a 15-minute interview with local business professionals.
  • March 31st: Winners are announced.
  • Recognition: The winner is honored at a Board meeting and their photo plaque is displayed at the District Office for the year.


Questions?
If you have questions about the nomination process or the forms, please contact the communications team at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us recognize the people who make Grain Valley Schools amazing!
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