Champion of the Classroom
Recognizing Excellence Across Chester County
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is proud to present an annual, countywide awards program celebrating the exceptional individuals who make a difference in our schools every day. From dedicated classroom educators to essential non-instructional staff, this program recognizes outstanding contributors across all 12 public school districts in Chester County and the CCIU, honoring the talent, commitment, and passion that shape the future of our students and communities.
Teacher Eligibility
Certification & Employment All nominees must hold a current, valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate and be actively employed as a teacher in one of Chester County’s public school districts at the time of nomination.
All nominees must provide direct instruction to students in either an in-person classroom or a virtual learning environment. Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to, classroom teachers, subject-area teachers, and other certified teaching professionals who regularly deliver instruction to students in grades PK-12. This may include, for example, reading specialists, speech-language therapists, learning support teachers, school librarians, and other certified instructional staff whose primary role involves working directly with students in an educational setting. Staff whose responsibilities are primarily administrative, supervisory, or non-instructional in nature are not eligible.
Definition of a Public School For the purposes of the CCIU Teacher of the Year Award/Employee of the Year, a "public school" is defined as any school that: (1) operates under the jurisdiction of a Chester County public school district as listed in these guidelines; (2) is funded through public sources; (3) employs instructional staff who are required to hold valid certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and (4) operates in compliance with all applicable policies, rules, and regulations outlined in the Pennsylvania School Code.