Nomination Forms
Thanks to the generous support of Colonial Motor Mart Auto Group, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the innovative and progressive Excellence in Education program to recognize a student every month from each of the county’s school districts. See below for further instructions on how you can submit your worthy student nominee!
Nominees are selected October thru April of each academic school year. Each monthly nominee should demonstrate an exemplary model of Indiana county’s youth in their educational pursuits; school and community engagement; essential workforce skills; as well as personal growth. A student can be nominated more than once, but once selected for the monthly recognition, they cannot be nominated again.
Nominees are selected October thru April of each academic school year. Each monthly nominee should demonstrate an exemplary model of Indiana county’s youth in their educational pursuits; school and community engagement; essential workforce skills; as well as personal growth. A student can be nominated more than once, but once selected for the monthly recognition, they cannot be nominated again.
Monthly student nominees will be spotlighted through a verity of media outlets. The Indiana County Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook will shared information most accessible to the program.
An end-of-year banquet will be held, that to honor each district's monthly nominees; recognizing their distinction of excellence. Each nominee and their parents will be the honored guests at this event. From all the monthly nominees across the county, one student will be selected to receive the grand prize, a vehicle from Colonial Auto Group! The winner will be chosen by an independent committee of judges based on:
- Academic Excellence (growth and/or achievement)
- School/ Community Involvement
- Essential Workforce Skill (Indiana County Ready Program)
- Personal Growth
Each question below will ask that the nominator provide a few sentences about how the student they are nominating demonstrates the characteristics of excellence in the areas identified above. We ask that whenever possible, you provide specific examples, and that you be as succinct as possible. The selection committee must have enough information to make an informed decision, but should not be overwhelmed with overly-lengthy information for each and every question. There is a final section where the nominator can provide extra information in general about why the nominee should be selected as the Student of the Month.
The monthly nomination form information must remain confidential to ensure and uphold the integrity of the grand prize selection process for selecting a student for the Indiana County Excellence in Education Program.
The purpose of the Excellence in Education program is to celebrate excellence in teaching and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the students of Indiana County. This initiative, in partnership with the Colonial Family of Dealerships, will highlight teachers from each of the seven county public school districts as well as Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) throughout the school year, and will culminate with the Indiana County Excellence in Education Award Banquet in the May. One student and one teacher will be selected at this banquet, with each being awarded a brand-new automobile donated by Colonial.
Criteria for Nomination:
Possess a valid Pennsylvania Instructional certificate;
Be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled pre-kindergarten through grade twelve teachers;
Plan to continue in an active teaching status through the current school year;
Incorporate effective and innovative instructional strategies, particularly elements of the Standards Aligned Systems (SAS);
Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
Demonstrates excellence and expertise in the field, guiding students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve success;
Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture that is respectful, inclusive, and positively impacts student growth and learning;
Intentionally connects the classroom/school and key stakeholders to build strong community partnerships resulting in success for all;
Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the school building walls and helps students/education stakeholders be successful;
Is inspiring, compelling, professional, and expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way. The candidate is both timeless and relevant and has the ability to connect with and represent the state.
Any parent, community member, student, or educator can nominate an individual who meets the criteria in the section above to be an Indiana Area School District Teacher of the Year. Nominees must complete the application form for consideration. Once the nominees are all chosen by the school districts, an independent panel will review all of the nominations and choose one individual to be to be Colonial’s Indiana County Teacher of the Year. The panel will not be affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce, any of the seven school districts, or Colonial but will instead be composed of out-of-county educators, human resource directors, and county leaders. All applications are due March 29th.
A complete application includes:
Criteria for Nomination:
Possess a valid Pennsylvania Instructional certificate;
Be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled pre-kindergarten through grade twelve teachers;
Plan to continue in an active teaching status through the current school year;
Incorporate effective and innovative instructional strategies, particularly elements of the Standards Aligned Systems (SAS);
Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
Demonstrates excellence and expertise in the field, guiding students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve success;
Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture that is respectful, inclusive, and positively impacts student growth and learning;
Intentionally connects the classroom/school and key stakeholders to build strong community partnerships resulting in success for all;
Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the school building walls and helps students/education stakeholders be successful;
Is inspiring, compelling, professional, and expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way. The candidate is both timeless and relevant and has the ability to connect with and represent the state.
Any parent, community member, student, or educator can nominate an individual who meets the criteria in the section above to be an Indiana Area School District Teacher of the Year. Nominees must complete the application form for consideration. Once the nominees are all chosen by the school districts, an independent panel will review all of the nominations and choose one individual to be to be Colonial’s Indiana County Teacher of the Year. The panel will not be affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce, any of the seven school districts, or Colonial but will instead be composed of out-of-county educators, human resource directors, and county leaders. All applications are due March 29th.
A complete application includes:
- Completed demographics
- Completed written reflection