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2026 Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher Award Nomination

This award was created to honor four local educators--two elementary teachers and two secondary teachers, whose efforts encourage and motivate students to come to school and who see teaching as a calling, rather than a job.

Each winner will receive $10,000, with an additional $2,500 given to their school.
Teachers at rural districts within a 40-mile radius of Charles's hometown of Emerson are eligible.

Nominations will be accepted through March 31st. Educators may not be nominated by family members.
ABOUT YOUR TEACHER
1.Name of the nominee(Required.)
2.At which school does this educator teach?(Required.)
3.Which grade level does this educator teach?(Required.)
CLASS DETAILS
4.What subject does this educator teach?(Required.)
YOUR INFORMATION
5.Your name(Required.)
6.Your phone number(Required.)
7.Your email address(Required.)
8.What's your relationship to this educator? (As a reminder, educators may not be nominated by family members)(Required.)
NOMINATION

The number of nominations a teacher receives does not contribute to their selection for the award. Award recipients are selected based on a single nomination that demonstrates the powerful impact they have had on students.
9.In what ways does this teacher inspire students to engage in school? (Provide specific examples)(Required.)
10.What makes students want to attend this teacher's class? (Provide specific examples)(Required.)
11.If your teacher is selected as a 2025 Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher, do we have your permission to share this nomination?(Required.)
12.How did you hear about this award?(Required.)