Latest news with #TeacherOfTheYear
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two northeast North Dakota teachers among Teacher of the Year finalists
Jul. 11—GRAND FORKS — Four finalists have been named for the 2026 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced the finalists on Friday, July 11. They are: * Emily Dawes, a first-grade teacher at J. Nelson Kelly Elementary School in Grand Forks, * Hannah Sagvold, a business education teacher at Lisbon Public School, * Frannie Tunseth, who teaches fourth through eighth grades at Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg Public School in Mayville and * Leah Wheeling, a sixth-grade physical education and digital literacy teacher at Simle Middle School in Bismarck. The four finalists were selected from a pool of 48 North Dakota County Teachers of the Year, who were named earlier this year. Baesler plans to visit all all four finalists' schools during the upcoming academic year, a release from Baesler's office said. The winner will become a candidate for the national Teacher of the Year award. "These finalists represent the skilled, compassionate educators that we blessed to have in our North Dakota schools," Baesler said in a statement. "Our Teacher of the Year program is intended to lift up the teaching profession and show the respect, appreciation, and admiration we have for our teachers, and celebrate the work they do to educate the young people who represent our future." The four finalists will be interviewed by an eight-member screening committee, which will make the final selection, the release said. The 2026 North Dakota Teacher of the Year is expected to be announced in September. North Dakota's 2025 Teacher of the Year is math teacher Kendall Bergrud, of Wachter Middle School in Bismarck. His successor will begin serving as the state Teacher of the Year on Jan. 1, 2026.
Fox News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
National 'Teacher of the Year' recipient feels job is 'deeply political'
A 2025 National "Teacher of the Year" recipient said on Friday that the profession is "deeply political." "Who am I if I'm not teaching? What happens if I walk away? But then something shifted. Because while the world was spinning, my local was centering. They fought for COVID sick banks, one-to-one laptops, robust contact tracing, and the grace we all deserved as we navigated the unknown. For our members, they became the leaders we needed," said Ashlie Crosson, a high school English teacher, during the annual National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly meeting. "But for me, they became my solid ground. And that solid ground became a launching pad. Once I started paying attention, once I realized how deeply political our profession had always been," Crosson said. The Pennsylvania native attended her first statewide union event in January 2024, where she met NEA President Becky Pringle. In March, Crosson attended the National Education Association National Leadership Summit in Detroit. Crosson shared that she encountered a "different NEA," one where she sensed a "burden" of what could happen in the future. "It's difficult to feel any sense of assurance when the best path forward has become a moving target. But amidst the unknown, I'm confident we can find comfort and resilience in what we do know. And what we know is this, respect doesn't begin with a soundbite or a promise. It begins with us and how we show up and how we raise our voices and how we refuse to accept anything less than what our students and our colleagues deserve," she said. With over three million members, the NEA is the largest teachers' union in the country. Crosson, a teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, spoke to thousands of delegates at their 2025 Representative Assembly in Portland, Oregon. Crosson, who teaches in a rural community, explained that a lot had changed since she realized how political her profession had become two years ago. The teacher cited struggles students faced during the coronavirus pandemic when internet companies refused to provide service to students in rural areas, "valuing profit over accessibility." "I stand for Jaden and Gavin and Luce, who needed a support system more than they needed a student handbook. I stand here for my sister Sydney, born in Vietnam and raised in Central Pennsylvania. In her 16 years of education, she never had a teacher who looked like her," said Crosson. Crosson was awarded the National "Teacher of the Year" award by the Council of Chief State School Officers in May. The Council's National Teacher of the Year Program "identifies exceptional teachers across the country, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, engages them in a year of professional learning and amplifies their voices." The National Teacher of the Year is chosen by an independent selection committee consisting of representatives of national K-12 education organizations, including the NEA and their union counterpart, the American Federation of Teachers. The assembly is held every year to set the agenda for the union. Nearly 7,000 educators from across the country attended the event on Saturday. This year's theme addressed the "unprecedented assault on public education nationwide," the NEA website states. The Council of Chief State School Officers said Crosson's comments do not represent the views of the organization. "CCSSO is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization serving public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states and territories," a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Among our work, we run the National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year is independently selected to bring national public attention on the importance of excellence in teaching and does not represent the views or opinions of CCSSO or the members we represent."
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Rack Room Shoes Announces Winners of the 2025 Teacher of the Year Contest
Teachers recognized for their exceptional dedication and impact on students' lives Charlotte, North Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - June 24, 2025) - Rack Room Shoes held its annual Teacher of the Year contest, which allowed customers to nominate deserving and dedicated teachers who have made a positive and influential impact. Each winning teacher has been awarded a $10,000 technology grant for their school and a $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card. After a thorough selection process, Rack Room Shoes is proud to recognize these five outstanding teachers: The 2025 Teacher of the Year Contest began with an open call for nominations, inviting individuals from across the country to share stories of their favorite teachers and how these educators have positively influenced their lives or the lives of their children. More than 300 teachers were nominated nationwide, each deserving recognition for their exceptional dedication. After a public vote period, the five winning teachers were chosen. 'We are thrilled to honor these inspiring teachers for the meaningful differences they've made in the lives of their students,' said Brenda Christmon, senior director of brand communications at Rack Room Shoes. 'Their passion and commitment to education inspires us all. Through this contest, we aim to shine a light on their remarkable achievements.' To expand access to hands-on learning in media and communications, one of the winning schools plans to implement a full broadcast system. Last year's Teacher of the Year winners utilized their technology grants to enhance student learning through tools like 3D printers, laptops and STEAM lab resources. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] 2025 Teacher of the Year Winners To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Rack Room Shoes Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is known as an innovator in the shoe industry for over 100 years. Rack Room Shoes operates more than 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands. Both brands offer a great variety of on-trend styles for women, men and children in athletic, comfort and dress categories, while providing a delightful and trusted shopping experience for our valued customers. Through Rack Room Shoes Gives, our ongoing philanthropic program, we provide ways in which customers and employees can seek support for charitable organizations, instilling trust and inspiration in the communities we serve. Media Contacts: Dejah Gilliam 704-520-1248 [email protected] Brenda Christmon 704-491-1850 [email protected] X Instagram Facebook To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Caring Cumbrian primary school teacher nominated for top award
A Cumbria Primary school teacher has been nominated for Collection Pot's Teacher of the Year competition. Stephanie Day who teaches at Warwick Bridge Primary School, was nominated by her Year 6 pupil Dana Fawkes and Dana's mother, Anna Murray. The nomination highlights both her strong commitment to her students and the personal challenges she's faced during her IVF journey. Despite the physical and emotional strain of fertility treatment, she has continued to give her best to her class every day, staying dedicated to her role as a teacher. 'This year has been a tough one for her,' Dana shared in her nomination, 'but she always puts us first and works super hard and made sure each of us was ready for our SATs. I really hope she wins and gets recognised for her awesomeness and dedication to her job.' Dana's mum, Anna, also spoke about her impact, describing her as a teacher who has managed to do her job extremely well while dealing with difficult personal challenges. 'Miss Day's day kicks off with a drive to school that takes her about an hour and fifteen minutes. This year marks her first experience teaching a year 6 class. Along with her new year 6 class, she's also diving into her first year of preparing the kids for SATs.' Anna said. 'She ensured that every child had the necessary interventions set up for the teaching assistants to help them in areas where they needed extra support. Plus, she organised a weekly SATs club to further assist the children in getting ready for the tests.' Anna explained that sadly over the Easter Holiday's Miss Day lost her beloved Nana. 'The beginning of the Easter holidays brought heartbreak for Miss Day as she lost her cherished Nana, with whom she was very close. Despite her grief, she kept the children in mind, reaching out to all the parents with a personalised list of tasks for their kids to focus on.' Upon hearing that she had been nominated, Miss Day said: 'I was so surprised to find out I had been nominated for the award and I am absolutely thrilled. Even though I have been having a really tough year, it is the wonderful children in my class who have kept me going and kept me smiling, even when I really haven't felt like it. Doing all I can for my class has been a welcome distraction this year and I pride myself on doing all I can to support every pupil.' Anna and Dana are hopeful that Miss Day will win the competition. 'Winning would be a wonderful way to show how much she is valued and loved by everyone.' Collection Pot's Teacher of the Year competition 2025 aims to celebrate the exceptional dedication of teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, and headteachers in schools across the nation. Nominations are open until June 22nd, and the winner will be announced on July 4th.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Unmatched' passion. Tri-Cities Crystal Apple winner named ESD 123 Teacher of the Year
A proud product of the Pasco community, who has dedicated her teaching career to expanding access and opportunities for the region's multi-lingual learners, has been recognized as the 2026 Educational Service District 123 Teacher of the Year. The accolade also automatically puts Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual mathematics teacher at Pasco High School, in the running for Washington Teacher of the Year. The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, selects that winner in late summer. Whitemarsh said she was 'surprised' with the recognition last week at a staff meeting. Superintendent Michelle Whitney and executive staff from ESD 123 presented her a certificate. 'I was humbled, very honored,' Whitemarsh told the Tri-City Herald. But teaching isn't conducted in a silo, she says, paying credit to her colleagues, administrators, students and families for the honor. 'There are so many people who have helped me along the way,' Whitemarsh said. 'That's not just my own merit, it comes from a whole group of people — both in my personal and professional life — and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.' She was also among nine educators earlier this year who took home the 2025 Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education. Whitemarsh called teaching the 'greatest career ever,' and says it's a privilege to play a role in building up the next generation of leaders. 'It's very personal, and I don't take it for granted at all,' she said. Pasco High Principal Veronica Machado in a letter of recommendation described Whitemarsh as an individual who cares about 'innovation, equity, collaboration and excellence in education for every student.' 'Her passion and dedication are unmatched, and she has left an indelible impact on her students, her colleagues, and Pasco High School,' Machado wrote. ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough said in a statement that Whitemarsh's passion, creativity and dedication to educational equity embodied what it means to be a leader in the profession. 'We are honored to have Gabriela represent our region and know she will continue to make an extraordinary impact,' he said. Whitemarsh is completing her ninth year as a public school teacher. Prior to coming to Pasco High, she worked nine years at Columbia Basin College as a program director, most notably for the Math Engineering Science Achievement. She also taught mathematics as an adjunct professor. She is founder the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program (HiCap L1 Math) at Pasco High School, an initiative that opens the door to college-level mathematics for newcomer students who previously lacked access. Whitemarsh says she saw the need herself back when she was attending the school. She was often one of only a handful of Hispanic students who were in advanced courses. 'There are so many who are capable, why aren't there more of us who are taking these courses and being rigorously prepared for college?' she said. Since the program took off in 2018, about 92 students have completed advanced math courses, and 41 have earned between 5 and 20 college math credits — all while they continued to build a foundation in the English language arts. Whitemarsh says it's her students and the stories of their families who drive her to continue teaching. Many come to her with varying backgrounds, education levels and at different ages — but each strives to learn and help one another. 'Education is at the heart of what we do. It opens doors and opportunities — and there's a ripple effect,' she said. Learning is also at the heart of her family. Her husband also works as a math teacher, but at Stevens Middle School. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico, constantly instilled in her the value of education. In addition to her teaching duties, Whitemarsh also chairs Pasco High's multilingual department, serves as a bilingual facilitator, and regularly provides professional development to her colleagues on culturally responsive teaching and equitable practices. She's also been previously recognized for dedicating countless hours toward tutoring students one-on-one during the COVID pandemic and for being a mentor to her colleagues. Whitemarsh has also previously been involved in leadership positions with the regional Hispanic Academic Achievers Program — a program she benefited from — which has awarded scholarships to youth in the Hispanic community since 1991.
