The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) today announced that five inspiring educators from across the country are finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.
CCSSO runs the National Teacher of the Year Program with Google for Education as the lead sponsor. Each year, states, U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity select outstanding educators to serve as State Teachers of the Year.
From a cohort of 56 State Teachers of the Year, the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, comprising 15 individuals and education organizations, selected the finalists based on applications.
“I congratulate these finalists for their outstanding commitment to education and impactful teaching that advances student outcomes,” said CCSSO Chief Executive Officer Carissa Moffat Miller. “Thank you to the Selection Committee for their work selecting these finalists.”
The finalists will next travel to D.C. and interview with the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, and CCSSO will announce the 2026 National Teacher of the Year this spring. The 2026 National Teacher of the Year will spend a year serving as an ambassador for education and uplifting the teaching profession.
“The 2026 National Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the highest teaching standards, empowering students to be future problem solvers through project-based learning and community collaboration,” the Selection Committee said. “Their work is rigorous and intentional, embodying everything you want to see in a finalist.”
CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program honors exceptional teachers across the country, identified by their states and territories as teachers of the year. Each year, CCSSO provides a new cohort of State Teachers of the Year with a yearlong, one-of-a-kind professional learning and development experience. Our robust program was designed to increase inspiring educators' leadership skills while celebrating their talents and commitment as extraordinary teachers.
