NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — North Dakota's best and brightest teachers are getting a chance to be recognized through the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards. Nominations for the awards opened this week. Officials say the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC annually distributes these awards to five educators in their local area for their accomplishments in teaching. They say teachers can be both from public or private schools. Categories are for Bismarck Primary, Mandan Primary, Bismarck Secondary, Mandan Secondary, and Higher Education. The winners will be presented with the Crystal Apple award in May. Officials say you can nominate a teacher from today until February 28.