 I'm Dirk Andrews, an elementary school teacher in Wyoming. I'm proud to be honored by the NEA Foundation with an award for teaching excellence. I have to be honest, I really struggled submitting my application for the NEA Foundation awards for teaching excellence because it's hard to talk about all I've accomplished. The advice I would give to anyone applying for this award is that this is the time you get to talk about all the great things that you are doing. Don't be afraid to overshare, you know yourself best. I say to the state affiliate leaders who may be considering nominating an educator for this award is that the nomination is enough recognition for a lifetime. No educator goes into the field to be recognized for our impact. However, being recognized helps educators to realize the value in their work. My students are who inspire me on a daily basis, but being recognized by the NEA Foundation has inspired me to lead in my profession. Awardees are nominated by their state affiliate for demonstrating excellence and instruction, professional advocacy and leadership, attention to diversity, and community engagement. These educators deserve our recognition and our thanks. Please join me in showing your appreciation by nominating an outstanding educator from your state. The deadline for nomination is May 1st. Visit NEAFoundation.org for details.