The Evansville Courier and Press and the University of Evansville have kicked off the 12th annual Outstanding Educators of the Year awards. The awards recognize an elementary, middle and high school teacher and a building principal who excel in their profession. Teachers and building principals employed by a recognized school organization within Vanderburgh County are eligible.

Nominees must be current, full-time classroom teachers or building principals at any grade level from kindergarten through 12th grade. They must have also completed at least three years of teaching.

Educators are selected by a committee comprised of educators, former educators and business and community leaders who review applications and narrow the field for classroom observations and interviews.

Winners receive a cash award of $1,000, recognition at the Outstanding Educators of the Year awards banquet, and a free credit course at the University of Evansville.

Since inception of the awards in 1999, Out of the 44 past winners, 36 teachers and administrators from EVSC have been named Outstanding Educators. In addition, five times in the past 11 years EVSC teachers and principals have won all four categories.

Nominations are due by February 17.

To nominate your favorite teacher, go to www.courierpress.com/educators and fill out the internet form.