TURNER — School Administrative District 52 is seeking nominations of an outstanding full-time teacher for the Patience W. Norman Prize for Teacher Excellence. The prize carries a $5,000 award.

Students, parents, faculty and administration may nominate a teacher for the award.

Patience Norman, for whom the award is named, was a history teacher with a fine, inquisitive mind who believed her students were capable of academic excellence. Norman required her students to work hard and challenged them to surpass her and their own expectations. 

The prize has been established at the Maine Community Foundation to recognize teachers in SAD 52 who emulate her education philosophy. Teachers who stimulate intellectual curiosity, raise aspirations and demand critical thinking in their classrooms are eligible.

Last year’s winner was Georgia Vallee, Health, Literacy and Early Childhood Education teacher at Leavitt Area High School.

Nominees should have a demonstrated commitment to SAD 52 as evidenced by a minimum five-year tenure. Teachers should also demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:

• Unusual impact and effectiveness in the classroom;

• Commitment to students, including responsibility and concern for academic progress;

• Creativity and innovation in teaching; and

• Leadership that provides a positive model for students.

“The donor was fortunate to have been one of Ms. Norman’s students and hopes to promote teacher retention in SAD 52 by recognizing an educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching,” said Jean Warren, scholarship funds manager at the Maine Community Foundation.

A selection committee comprised of the superintendent of schools, curriculum coordinator and chairman of the school board will review and select a recipient.

Deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 21. 

FMI, guidelines, nomination form: www.mainecf.org, 1-877-700-6800.