They teach, develop and inspire with lessons that go beyond their classrooms. And too often they don’t hear "thank you" for their hard work and long hours.

All nominations will be posted on the Delaware Department of Education’s website the week of May 2. To be eligible, the nominee must be a classroom teacher, specialist or paraprofessional in a Dela-ware public school and the nominator must be a current student of that educator. Entries may be submitted online at greatteachers@doe.k12.de.us or by mail, Attn: Alison Kepner, Delaware Depart-ment of Education, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. All submissions must be received by April 22. Winners will be announced on May 6.

As Delaware prepares to celebrate National Teacher Day on May 3, the Delaware Department of Education wants to know: What makes your public school teacher great?

Summarize why your teacher is special in 350 words or fewer. Three winning educators – one each from elementary, middle and high schools–will receive $100 gift cards and some much-deserved time off as Former Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery takes over their classrooms for half a day. The students who write the winning essays each will receive $50 gift cards.

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