Most of us can point to a teacher who made a difference in our lives — someone who cared enough to go beyond the textbook, teaching us to care about the subject matter, our classmates, the world and ourselves. 

The Times wants to know who those teachers are and will be accepting nominations for a new Teacher of the Month contest each month.

These teachers will be recognized in The Times and receive $200 for school supplies and a plaque. The contest is sponsored by Milton Martin Honda.  

“Without a doubt, educators play a critical role in the development of our youth, and giving them the recognition they deserve has and will always be a top priority of mine and the dealership," Milton Martin Honda owner Butch Miller said.

Others on the Honda team share those sentiments.

"Educators work tirelessly for the students in our community, and Milton Martin Honda is constantly looking for ways to support the teachers in Northeast Georgia,” General

Manager Mark Boggs said. “We are excited for the launch of this program, and we encourage the community to nominate teachers that they believe go above and beyond in their daily tasks as an educator.”

To nominate a teacher, go to gainesvilletimes.com/teacher.

Nominations are open the first 10 days of each month. Voting is the 11th through 24th of each month. The winner will be announced the last week of the month.

"We have long been committed to supporting the role of teachers in our community, and appreciate Milton Martin Honda's sponsorship for the Teacher of the Month recognition. Classroom teachers are the bedrock of our educational system and are vital to the success of our schools. We hope our readers will embrace the idea of rewarding exceptional teachers by nominating and voting for their favorites," said Norman Baggs, general manager  of The Times.