Nominations for the 2012 National Online Teacher of the Year for K-12 education are being accepted for a competition sponsored by two leading education nonprofit organizations, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL).

Now in its third year, the SREB/iNACOL National Online Teacher of the Year Award honors a distinguished online teacher who defines quality teaching in online K-12 education. A superintendent, principal, program director/manager, department chair or any other supervisor of the teacher may nominate an online educator in any U.S. public school or state virtual school for the award.

The winner will be announced March 1, 2012, at the SREB Symposium on Virtual Teaching and Learning in Atlanta. Three finalists will receive all-expenses-paid trips to the event. The winner also will receive a custom trophy and an all-expenses-paid trip to the iNACOL 2012 Virtual School Symposium in New Orleans in November 2012, in addition to participating in several educational, webinar and press events. Each of the other finalists also will receive a special plaque and other honors.

Nominations close Oct. 17. For nomination details, go to www.nationalonlineteacher.org.