LANSING — State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) is encouraging people to nominate outstanding history teachers for the 2013 Odyssey Award, which rewards excellence in teaching Michigan history. Two teachers will receive a cash award of $1,000, an award plaque and a one-year family membership to the Michigan Historical Museum.

“As we all know, education is vital, and part of a well-rounded education is history,” LaVoy said. “Michigan, and the 17th District, have a rich history, and we should encourage local history education by recognizing outstanding Michigan history teachers.”

The Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), judges nominees on “their depth of knowledge about Michigan history, leadership in teaching others about Michigan history and creative teaching methods,” according to the DNR. All K-12 Michigan history teachers are eligible.

Nominees will be accepted through Dec. 1. To download the nomination form, visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-54463_18595_18596-62973—,00.html.