Nominations for the BP Teachers of Excellence are drawing to a close at the end of January.

The award recognizes teachers throughout Alaska for their exceptional performance in the classroom, their dedication to students and their contribution to Alaska’s future.

The program was launched in 1995 and has grown to include educational allies, or “individuals making a difference in your school … such as a principal, school nurse, custodian, teacher assistant, parent volunteer or others,” according to the BP Teachers of Excellence website.

Teachers and allies are recognized from every community throughout the state and can be nominated through the BP Teachers of Excellence online nomination form at bpteachers.com.

“Feb. 1 is the deadline for the BP teacher and educational ally of the year nomination,” Superintendent Sean Dusek said at last week’s Kenai Peninsula Borough School District board of education meeting.

“So please nominate teachers that you have seen that would be worthy of being a BP teacher of excellence.”

The winners will be notified on March 30.

“If you nominated a winning teacher or Educational Ally, you will be sent an invitation to attend the award ceremony,” according to BP. “The list of winners will be announced on the website in May.”

Last year, five teachers and a principal from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District were recognized and honored at an awards banquet in Soldotna. Each honoree received a $500 gift card and a $500 donation to their school.

Reach Kat Sorensen at kat.sorensen@peninsulaclarion.com.