MONROE — A total of $20,000 in monetary awards is available in the Teacher Recognition Program for School District of Monroe educators through the Colony Brands Foundation Teacher Recognition Program.

The program, in its third year, has a goal to partner with the district to help retain and attract high-quality teachers. 

Community members, parents and past and present students are encouraged to nominate a School District of Monroe educator for the 2019 program. Nomination forms can be found on the school district’s website at www.monroeschools.com. 

Nominations are due no later than Dec. 1. Nominated teachers will then go through an application process. Teachers are encouraged to apply directly for the award.

Colony Brands committed to a five-year pilot of the program beginning in 2017. Up to $20,000 in monetary awards may be made in each year of the pilot. The idea for the Teacher Recognition Program came about during ongoing discussions between the foundation and the district over the course of a four-year partnership involving a $400,000 Technology Initiative funded by the Foundation. 

To date, 15 teachers have been awarded the honor. Teachers that apply for the award are asked to submit information on their most significant contributions to student achievement, the school district and Monroe communities.