National Teacher of the Year
2012 National Teacher of the Year: Rebecca Lynn Mieliwocki
It's called Washington Week - the time of year when State Teachers of the Year gather in Washington, D.C., to participate in activities honoring them for their dedication to and excellence in education. The highlight of the week happens when the teachers visit the White House to meet the president of the United States and are introduced to the nation during a recognition ceremony. The president proudly presents the National Teacher of the Year with the Crystal Apple Award, representing the traditional symbol of teaching. During her remarks, 2012 National Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki said, "Every day here in America, teachers with patience and creativity are opening doors for students to reach deep within themselves to learn more, to solve problems, to grow and to nurture their dreams."
 | Read / Follow Rebecca Lynn Mieliwocki's Story 2012 National Teacher of the Year, Rebecca Mieliwocki is a 7th-grade English teacher in California’s Luther Burbank High School. |  | Learn more about each of the 2012 Finalists Learn about this year’s inspiring finalists and their commitment to children’s education. |
ING U.S. is proud to be a co-sponsor of the National Teacher of the Year program.
The National Teacher of the Year program, a project by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), is the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that recognizes excellence in K-12 education.
The National Teacher of the Year is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a national selection committee representing the major national education organizations. Each April, the National Teacher of the Year is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States. The National Teacher of the Year is released from classroom duties during the year of recognition to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson for the teaching profession.
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