Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards
Teacher of the Year 2024-2025
The 2024-2024 Teacher of the Year Program. Highlights are as follows:1, 2023.
- The nominating Individual must submit the nominated teacher's name on the completed VFW Teacher Nomination Form. Include with the form, a 350 word or less description of why the nominee should be selected. Describe the teacher's innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his/her dedication to teaching. Submit these to the local VFW Post no later than October 31, 2023
- Last year’s winners are not eligible to apply this year. They can enter the competition again next year.
- Application and a one-page nomination essay need to be submitted to VFW Post 6464, 215 Veterans Drive, Fowlerville, Michigan 48836, no later than 31 October 2023. If selected for one of the three awards; the Post chairperson will contact, you for the additional information required for submission of the application. One page Biography, up to five pages of supporting documents and a wallet size picture.
- Each Post can submit one candidate for Teacher of the Year for grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
- VFW Post 6464's point of contact: George Wygant, VFW Post 6464 Chairperson, (517) 515-0471, george.wygant@yahoo.com.
- Auxiliary 6464's point of contact: Carol Johnson, Auxiliary 6464 Chairperson, (517) 712-4574, agsm06@gmail.com.
National Awards:
A National $1,000.00 Smart/Maher award for each of the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 teacher for professional development expenses.
- $1,000.00 award for each winning teachers' school.
- Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.
- An all-expense-paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention.
Teacher of the Year
VFW Post 6464
Webberville Elementary School
2024-2025
Nicole Elliott
Nicole Elliott, from Webberville Elementary School, Webberville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Kindergarten to Fifth Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition. Nicole Elliott, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.
Jason Kubiak, Webberville Elementary Principal’s Recommendation:
"I would like to nominate Nikki Elliott, a second-grade teacher at Webberville Elementary, for the VFW Teacher of the Year.
Nikki is an amazing representative for our school and community. She is a tireless worker who innovates and differentiates her lessons to reach all students and meet their needs. She is a kind, caring individual who goes above and beyond for her students as well as her fellow staff members. Watching Nikki in action in her classroom is a joy. The passion she brings to her lessons and the ways that she gets her students to engage at a high level is quite impressive. She does a great job of connecting the students’ learning to their lives and interests.
Nikki serves on many committees at our school in a leadership position. She is a valued member of our School Improvement team, Teacher Leadership team, and our Reading Month Committee. Nikki also is a great supporter and mentor for our newer teachers and does an amazing job of sharing her expertise and knowledge with them to help them grow as professionals. Nikki is always willing to work with a staff member to support them if they need advice for how to handle a behavior or instructional situation in their classroom and has offered to allow teachers to observe her in her room so that Nikki can model an example for them. At our Elementary building, we very strongly value the team concept and the mantra that "the whole is greater than the sum of our parts” and Nikki exhibits that fully with her mentorship and willingness to be available to share her craft.
Nikki also volunteers and attends multiple events outside of the school day, which shows her students and families that she deeply cares about her students and their interests outside of the school.
For these reasons and so many more, I strongly recommend and nominate Nikki Elliott for the VFW Teacher of the Year award.”
Nicole Elliott was VFW District 6 Teacher of the Year for grades K – 5. She received her award on Jan. 11th, at the 6th District Awards Ceremony held at VFW Post 6464, Fowlerville. From left were Rex Murdock, 6th District Commander; Zech Shaffer, 6th District Chairmen; Nicole Elliott, Teacher of the Year 6th District Grades K-5; Rose Sancrant, 6th District Auxiliary Co-Chairmen; and Dawn Shock, 6th District President
Nicole was this year's Teacher of the Year for VFW 6th District, Grade K – 5. Her package was forwarded to the Department of Michigan for Judging.
VFW Post 6464 K-5 Elementary School Winners
2024-2025 Nicole Elliott Webberville Elementary Webberville, Michigan*
2022-2023 Jennifer Johnson Natalie Kreeger Elementary Fowlerville, Michigan
2021-2022 Christine J Schoendorff Voyager Elementary Howell, Michigan **
2019-2020 Jason Kubiak Webberville Elementary Webberville, Michigan
2018-2019 Jennifer Paruszkiewicz Natalie Kreeger Elementary Fowlerville, Michigan
2018-2019 Andrea Hart H. T. Smith Elementary Fowlerville, Michigan
2010-2011 Tammy Steffee's Natalie Kreeger Elementary Fowlerville, Michigan ***
District Winner *
Department of Michigan Winner **
VFW National Winner ***
Teacher of the Year
VFW Post 6464
Williamston Middle School
2024-2025
Tammy Hosford
Tammy Hosford, from Williamston Middle School, Williamston, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Six to Eight Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition. Tammy Hosford, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.
Deb LaFleur, Williamston Middle School Principal’s Recommendation:
"I am writing to nominate Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Mrs. Hosford, an exceptional sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at Williamston Middle School, has an unwavering commitment to serve others.
As an educator, Mrs. Hosford spends countless hours serving others to build their literacy skills. Personally, she dedicates time outside of work to care for elderly citizens who need extra helping hands. Her compassion for the common good is apparent in her work and beyond.
Mrs. Hosford takes initiative in organizing field trips that connect sixth grade students with senior citizens in our community. This opportunity not only enriches the students' educational experiences, but it also fosters intergenerational relationships. Through these field trips, students have the invaluable opportunity to interview seniors and learn about their lives as children. This experience allows them to draw parallels and contrasts between their own experiences and those of older generations. By interacting with elders, students gain insight into the historical aspects of their lives and the societal changes that occurred over decades. This aligns well with the core democratic values, as it promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation of diversity within the community.
The field trips to the senior center encourage students to practice skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking. As they listen and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, they cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and respect the diverse experiences within our society. Genuinely, the community involvement promotes happiness across ages. Children and adults are smiling, laughing, and sharing personal moments with each other. This is especially important for middle school students, who are forming their own identities and values. Through the experiences at the senior center, they learn the importance of community involvement and the impact their actions have on others.
Mrs. Hosford’s commitment to building students' literacy skills and making connections between generations is apparent in her initiative with the senior center. Thank you for considering Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. I wholeheartedly believe her demonstration of the core democratic values within and beyond the classroom deserve recognition.”
VFW Post 6464 Junior High School Winners
2024-2025 Tammy Hosford Williamston Middle School Williamston, Michigan
2022-2023 Michelle L Spisz Fowlerville Junior High School Fowlerville, Michigan **
2020-2021 Michelle L Spisz Fowlerville Junior High School Fowlerville, Michigan **
2019-2020 Michelle L Spisz Fowlerville Junior High School Fowlerville, Michigan *
District Winner *
Department of Michigan Winner **
VFW National Winner ***
Teacher of the Year
VFW Post 6464
Fowlerville High School
2023-2024
Jill Thomas
Jill Thomas, from Fowlerville High School, Fowlerville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades ninth to twelfth grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition. Jill Thomas, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.
Matt Stuard, Fowlerville Superintendent’s Recommendation:
I'm writing to recommend Ms. Jill Thomas for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. While I've only had the chance to work with her for a little over a year, it's clear that she's deeply committed to her students and community, and especially to supporting veterans.
Jill's involvement with veterans stands out. She co-organizes our Military Appreciation Football Game, volunteers with VetFest, and works with Restoring Valor to help restore homes for veterans impacted by natural disasters. She also gives her time each month to serve meals at your post. This kind of dedication is rare, and it shows how much she cares about honoring and supporting those who have served.
Her leadership in the school and local community is equally impressive. She's been the President of our Athletic Boosters for six years, and she serves as Vice President of the Livingston County Gymnastics Board, where the high school gymnastics team competes. She's chaired our School Improvement Team for over 15 years and has been the Student Council Advisor for 20 years. On top of all that, she's the Senior Class Advisor for the Class of 2025!
Ms. Thomas is currently teaching World History, Government, History Through Film, and Academic Focus. In the past she's taught American History, Economics, and Crucial Issues. In every subject, she promotes civic responsibility, democratic values, and the importance of community service.
Jill's commitment to veterans, leadership within the school, and dedication to fostering a sense of civic duty in her students make her an excellent candidate for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. I'm confident she deserves this recognition and encourage you to consider her for this honor.
VFW Post 6464 High School Winners
2024-2025 Jill Thomas Fowlerville High School Fowlerville, Michigan
2023-2024 Jill Thomas Fowlerville High School Fowlerville, Michigan
2022-2023 Jill Thomas Fowlerville High School Fowlerville, Michigan
2021-2022 Steve Kersten Williamston High School Williamston, Michigan
2019-2020 Jill Thomas Fowlerville High School Fowlerville, Michigan
2018-2019 Jill Thomas Fowlerville High School Fowlerville, Michigan
District Winner *
Department of Michigan Winner **
VFW National Winner ***
