Michelle Roundy named Wyoming’s 2026 State Teacher of the Year

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English teacher Michelle Roundy of Jacksonville, Wyoming, has been named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: CCSSO NTOY

There are many outstanding teachers working in American classrooms, and there are times when one of them may be singled out for special recognition. One of these is Michelle Roundy, an English teacher from Wyoming who was named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Michelle Roundy teaches courses in English 10, Advanced Placement (AP) Preparation 10, and AP Literature and Composition at Jackson Hole High School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

She also serves as an instructional coach there, supporting teachers in meeting the needs of the school’s diverse learners.

Michelle says her approach to teaching has been grounded in building relationships and trust over the years. She always has genuine interest in her students, she declares, and makes sure they know she cares about them and their success.

“There is something magically compelling about being in a room with 25 students as they learn, holding space for them as they navigate failure and championing them as they achieve success,” asserts Michelle. “It’s like being a part of an orchestra, and although I am responsible for guiding them as they learn, it is their individual and collective engagement that ultimately creates this relational harmony, one in which all time stops and the only thing that matters is the relationships in the room,” she concludes.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Humanities and a minor in Spanish from Oregon State University in 2006. In 2010, she earned her Master’s in Teaching with a focus on English and Humanities at the same institution, where she was recognized with the Distinguished Student Award. She is also National Board Certified. Her career as an educator spans 18 years, 16 of them at Jackson Hole High School.

Margaret Hamilton, Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West, was once a kindergarten teacher

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Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton, a former kindergarten teacher, frightened generations of children when she played the Wicked Witch of the West in Hollywood’s 1939 production of The Wizard of Oz. Photo credit: Public Domain

Not many people would recognize the name or photograph of actress Margaret Hamilton, but just about everyone knows the iconic movie role she played. Bedecked in green make-up and a black pointed hat, this pleasant face was the Wicked Witch of the West in MGM’s 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz.

Margaret was born December 9, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the fourth child of Walter and Mary Jane (Adams)  Hamilton. At an early age, Margaret was determined to make a career for herself in the theater. However, her parents insisted she get a college degree, so Margaret attended Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts. The institution was founded by Lucy Wheelock in 1888, and was known as Miss Wheelock’s Kindergarten Training School. The school offered undergraduate and graduate programs intended to improve the quality of early childhood education. In 2018, the college became part of Boston University’s School of Education.

It’s ironic that this very sweet and loving former kindergarten teacher is best known for her frightful disposition and her villainous behaviors, not to mention for scaring the daylights out of generations of little children. When asked about her role in The Wizard of Oz, the former teacher often said her greatest fear was that her monstrous film role would give young people a false impression of her true nature. The reality is that Margaret Hamilton cared deeply about children, and she was a lifelong advocate for educational causes, devoting much of her energy and money to benefit causes that improved the lives of children and animals. She served on the Beverly Hills Board of Education from 1948 to 1951, and she also taught Sunday school during the 1950s.

This amazing Chalkboard Champion passed away of a heart attack on May 16, 1985, at the age of 83. Her ashes were scattered in Amenia, New York.

NY science teacher Michelle Ebert earns prestigious SUNY award

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Science teacher Michelle Ebert of New York has earned an Excellence in Teaching Award from the State University of New York. Photo credit: Linked In

It is always a pleasure to report that an exceptional classroom teacher has earned recognition for their work with young people. One of these is Michelle Ebert, a science educator from New York State. She has earned an Excellence in Teaching Award from SUNY, the State University of New York.

Michelle teachers Earth Science courses at Greece Arcadia High School, a pubic school located in Rochester, New York. She has taught in the district for 27 years. In her classroom, Michelle employs flipped classroom strategies, peer review, and student-led instruction. She also incorporates current events into her curriculum.

In addition to her work at Greece Arcadia, Michelle was selected to be a presenter at the New York State Conference from 2001-20016..

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geology from State University of New York, Plattsburgh, in 1990. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from SUNY at Brockport in 1981. In addition, she has been a National Board Certified in Young Adult Science. since 2007.

The Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding educators who exemplify the professional work of thousands of educators who strive to attain New York standards and success for all of their students. Winners receive a $5,000 stipend for their continued learning and professional endeavors. They also participate in a summer school or school year institute or workshop, and in addition they are invited to attend a state or national content area convention.

Congratulations on your achievement, Michelle!

Sp Ed teacher Tiffany Barnes named West Virginia’s 2026 Teacher of the Year

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Special Education teacher Tiffany Barnes has been named West Virginia’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: CCSSO NTOY

It is always my pleasure to share the story of an exceptional educator who has earned accolades for their work in the classroom. Middle school teacher Tiffany Barnes of West Virginia is just such an educator. She has been named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Tiffany teaches Special Education at Wheeling Middle School in Ohio County, West Virginia. In her classroom, the honored educator says the relationships she has formed with her students are the most important element. “Connection is everything,” she says. “If a student doesn’t feel connected, they’re not going to learn. So it’s important to take the extra time to love them and connect with them and get to know them on a personal level,” she continues.

On her campus, Tiffany founded and coaches the Girls on the Run Heart and Sole team. She also established the school’s annual Autism Acceptance 5K race to support Special Education classrooms throughout Ohio County.

Not only is Tiffany a talented educator, she is also a US Army veteran. She served two tours of duty during the Iraq War, where she was as a member of the Military Police. There she earned the Iraq Campaign Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service, an Armed Forces Reserve Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

In addition to her credentials as a teacher, Tiffany is a certified personal trainer and a performance enhancement specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

In her community, Tiffany initiated the Wreaths Across America program at two local cemeteries. She is a board member for the Martins Ferry Football Mom’s Association and the Education Alliance. And as if all that were not enough, she is an active member of Team Red, White & Blue, where she honors fallen soldiers by running half-marathons with a full rucksack, gas mask and flags. She is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, West Virginia Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi.

Tiffany earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from American Military University, and her Master’s degree in Reading from West Liberty University.