Elyria teacher nominated as ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ [Video]

If Mel Rainey wins, he will get a trip to Hawaii and $25,000.

ELYRIA, Ohio — Teachers don’t often get the recognition they deserve, but one Northeast Ohio educator may soon earn the title of “America’s Favorite Teacher.”

You can cast your vote for him HERE.

Elyria High School Art Teacher Mel Rainey is currently in the top 10 of a national contest being held by Reader’s Digest. Rainey has been teaching at his alma mater for 24 years.

3News talked to Rainey about what teaching art means to him.

“Teaching just helps build the net generation of inspired problem solvers. Creative thinking is built into everything we do. I like to help spark that interest in students,” said Rainey.

He entered this contest on a whim and has made it through several rounds of voting in the contest, which goes through May.

“They would say I’m a crazy whacky dude. They would laugh and giggle because they know I’m a …