Educators themselves cannot apply for this award. Instead, exemplary educators are identified by the Maryland State Department of Education which maintains a Maryland Educator Talent Bank (METB) of exemplary educators. The individuals recommended for the Talent Bank are considered for State committees, advisory panels, and special awards such as the Milken National Educator Award. Educators recommended for the METB should be early to mid-career professionals, with five to fifteen years experience in teaching or less than twenty years as administrators. Their contributions to education should be significant and they should demonstrate leadership, innovative approaches to teaching, and dedication to the field of education.
The Maryland State Department of Education appreciates information about outstanding candidates for the Talent Bank. Recommendations are made by local school systems in Maryland, and by parents, teachers, community leaders and other citizens. If you know of an outstanding teacher, please let us know by supplying the following information on the Talented Teacher Referral Form and sending it by mail or email to the address given in the contact information below.