Arizona English Learner Teacher of the Year

During the annual conference, the Arizona Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) recognizes, honors, and celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of English learner (EL) educators throughout the state of Arizona. The top honor of the Arizona EL Teacher of the Year award highlights and validates the consistent dedication to the success of English learners.

The award process for the 2025 Arizona EL Teacher of the Year is open!

OELAS invites you to nominate a teacher for this prestigious award. Nominees must meet the following criteria:

Presently employed as a teacher, meeting SEI Model requirements, in an Arizona public school (district or charter)
Currently teaching ELs (2024-2025 school year)
Contracted to return and teach ELs in the 2025-2026 school year
Have three or more years of successful teaching experience with ELs

2025 Arizona EL Teacher of the Year Flyer

2025 Nomination Documents:

Nomination Form (Due by 8/17/2025)

EL Data Forms (three worksheets: K, Grades 1-5, and Grades 6-12)

2025 Nomination and Selection Timeline:

Nominations due	August 17, 2025
Nominated applicants notified	August 19, 2025
Applications for nominated educators due	September 14, 2025
Selection panel convenes	September/October 2025
Possible classroom visitations/observations	October -November 2025
Winner notification	November 2025
Award presentation	OELAS Conference 2025