The Carmel Clay Schools Teacher of the Year award is endowed by the Stephen A. Backer Memorial. Throughout his life, Backer was an advocate and supporter of the Carmel Clay Schools. He served on the Carmel Clay School Board of Trustees from 1994 to 1998 and from 2006 until his passing in March 2009.  Stephen held the position of school board president for five of those years.  The Stephen A. Backer Memorial was started shortly after his passing and continues to receive donations.  Donations in support of the Stephen A. Backer Teacher of the Year award can be made through the Carmel Education Foundation. 

Nominations are made by students, parents, and other staff members to the CCS administration starting in January. A selection committee of administrators and a representative from the Carmel Education Foundation then evaluates each nominee and selects a winner in April. This person will then compete against teachers across the state to represent Indiana in the national Teacher of the Year competition.