Barnes & Noble announced the commencement of the 2013-14 "Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest," Monday, which gives middle and high school students a chance to show how much they appreciate their teachers.

It may be too late to celebrate Teacher's Day but it's never too late to show our teachers how much we appreciate them. And that's exactly what retailer Barnes & Noble is doing. Almost a week after Teacher's day the company announced the commencement of the 2013-14 "Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest," Monday.

The contest encourages middle and high school students to nominate their favorite teachers by writing essays, poems or thank you letters that share how their teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire their teacher. All submissions should be made at the local Barnes & Noble stores.

All teachers from grade one to 12 are eligible to be nominated. The contest is broken down to two levels - local and regional. After all local winners are declared, Barnes and Noble will finally choose the "Teacher of the Year."

The teachers will be judged based on the nature of the teacher's qualities, the sincerity of the student's appreciation and the quality of expression and writing. The award includes cash prizes for the teachers and schools, NOOK tablets and more.  The contest began September 9, 2013, and ends March 1, 2014.

The local winner will be announced next Spring at an event in a local Barnes & Noble store. The teacher will be awarded and recognized for his or her achievement. The student who writes the winning essay will also receive a certificate of recognition and also be honored at the ceremony. All local winners will then enter into the regional level contest, from where Barnes and Noble will finally choose the "Teacher of the Year" who will receive $5,000. The winning teacher's school will also receive $5,000.

"It was a very humbling experience," said Gina Wilson, last year's national winner in a press release. "I didn't realize how much my former student, Santia René, had been impacted in 5th grade until it was brought to light through her amazing essay.  I was ecstatic to receive the accolades and thrilled that my school did, too!  I will never forget May 9 - what an honor to have the mayor name it Gina Wilson Day.  Thank you Barnes & Noble for supporting teachers and the educational system.  This contest allowed students the opportunity to express their feelings and show how talented they are."