For the second year in a row, UK Hoops head coach Matthew Mitchell is the spokesman for the University of Kentucky College of Education’s Teachers Who Made a Difference program. UKNow has the story:

Coach Mitchell has a personal respect for the profession, which is why he is serving as the spokesperson for the program again in 2013.“Teaching is my job, teaching is my passion. And it is something that I love and hope to do the rest of my life,” he said. “It is a tremendous thing to be a teacher.”Now in its 15th year, the Teachers Who Made a Difference program gives individuals an opportunity to thank the teachers, principals, college professors or other educators who have inspired and motivated them to succeed.The program does not select winners from a pool of nominees. Rather, the College of Education created the program to provide individuals a means to express thanks to educators who have impacted their lives. Honorees can be from anywhere and do not have to be affiliated with UK; however, the number of honorees to be recognized is limited. Organizers ask that each nominator limit recognitions to one educator per year.

Submissions are being accepted until March 8. To honor an educator, head to this link on the College of Education’s website.