Vote Now for the National Teacher of the Year
Teachers of Tomorrow is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 State Teacher of the Year, honoring outstanding educators who are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the country. These educators represent a wide range of grade levels, subject areas, and school environments, but they share a common commitment to student success, leadership, and innovation. Each state honoree now advances as a finalist for the 2026 Teachers of Tomorrow National Teacher of the Year—and the public is invited to vote.
Meet the 2026 Teachers of Tomorrow State Teachers of the Year
Arizona
Arilene Gaxiola
Subject: Math (8th Grade)
School: San Luis Middle School – Gadsden Elementary School District
Florida
Pamela Lott
Subject: All Subjects (Kindergarten)
School: Duval Charter School at Westside – Charter Schools USA
Indiana
Kourtney Eisberg
Subject: Math, Science, Reading, Social Studies, Religion (4th Grade)
School: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School – Diocese of Lafayette Catholic Schools
Michigan
Jordyn Salerno
Subject: Junior Kindergarten
School: Spencer Road Elementary School – Brighton Area Schools
Nevada
Nicholas Witham
Subject: English Language Arts (12th Grade)
School: Eldorado High School – Clark County School District
North Carolina
Ian Elkins
Subject: Music / Chorus (Middle School)
School: River Bend Middle School – Catawba County Schools
Ohio
Jaysia Morris
Subject: Special Education (K–12)
School: High Road School of Bucyrus
South Carolina
Jennifer Matthews
Subject: Media Specialist / School Librarian (K4–8th Grade)
School: Sterling School – Greenville County Schools
Texas
Lauren Thomas
Subject: Agriculture Science (High School)
School: Lyford High School – Lyford CISD
Vote for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Voting is now open to determine the 2026 Teachers of Tomorrow National Teacher of the Year.
The national honoree will receive:
- $5,000 to support their classroom
- One year of free professional development through SimpleK12
- National recognition for their impact and leadership
👉 Cast your vote today and help celebrate an educator who is shaping the future of education: Teacher of the Year 2026
