The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive:

• A $1000 award for professional development expenses.
• A $1000 award for his/her school.
• Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.
•  An all-expense-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their reward.