Gold Star and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are once again teaming up to recognize outstanding educators through the annual Gold Star Teacher of the Year program.
Now in its seventh year, the program invites parents, students, and community members across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to nominate teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students and classrooms.
Nominations are open online from Nov. 1 through Dec. 19 at goldstarchili.com/goldstarteacher.
Ten finalists will be selected from this year’s nominees. Each will receive a $100 Gold Star gift card, four tickets to a Children’s Theatre production, and other prizes. The community will have the opportunity to vote for one of the finalists beginning in February 2026, with the winner announced in March 2026.
The 2025 Gold Star Teacher of the Year will receive a $2,000 classroom grant, a $1,000 donation to their school’s PTO/PTA, $500 in gift cards, a school-wide cheese coney giveaway, and additional prizes totaling more than $7,000.
Since 2020, nearly 3,000 teachers have been nominated for the program. The winner from last year was Tricia Richardson of St. Mary’s School in Alexandria.
New this year, nominators and teachers will both receive rewards through the Gold Star Rewards app, including a free “BOGO Burger & Fries” for nominators and a complimentary meal for nominated teachers.