Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and the school systems of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties are accepting nominations for the Outstanding Mathematics and Science Teacher of the Year Awards for 2009.

Each year, the Cooperative and the school systems recognize classroom teachers for excellence in teaching mathematics and science. Parents, students, community members, and colleagues of teachers are invited to submit nominations for these awards, and teachers may also nominate themselves.

Criteria for nominees include the following:

To obtain a nomination packet, contact Natalie Brown at SMECO at 1-888-440-3311, ext. 4377. Information is also available on our Web site at www.smeco.coop.

Interested teachers or those interested in nominating a teacher must complete the application packet and submit it to the mathematics or science curriculum supervisor in the appropriate county. A site visit may be conducted with each nominee. Award winners from the last five years are not eligible. Application packets must be submitted by Friday, February 13, 2009. Award recipients must attend the Outstanding Teachers reception and awards program scheduled for April 15, 2009.