Good teachers are critical to a strong school system, and The Post encourages excellence in teaching. Each year it honors exceptional men and women in the teaching profession by awarding $3,000 to an outstanding teacher selected in each of the 19 local public school systems, and one award to a teacher from a private school in the metropolitan area.

The selections are made through a nominating process and the final decision is made by each local school system. Nominees from private schools are screened by a committee of educators and community leaders through the coordinating efforts of the Council for American Private Education.