The Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation is now taking nominations for “Educator of the Year.”

This program is an annual event that recognizes and honors exemplary educators in the Snoqualmie Valley School District. The deadline to nominate an outstanding educator is Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Criteria for the honor include teachers who: inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; lead by example; and play an active and useful role in the scholastic environment.

Four educators are honored each year, one each from elementary school, middle school, high school, and the district’s classified stuaff, which includes custodians, bus drivers, secretarys, paraeducators and so on.

To nominate a staff member, fill out the form on the Schools Foundation website, svsfoundation.org and submit it by Jan. 31. An independent selection committee comprised of community leaders will review applications and the winners will be announced in March and honored at the foundation’s annual “Small Hands to Big Plans” luncheon, March 22.