Elem educator Megan Johnson named Indiana’s 2026 State Teacher of the Year

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Elementary teacher Megan Johnson of Plainfield, Indiana, has been named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Indiana Department of Education

It is always exciting to share the story of an outstanding educator who has earned accolades for their work in the classroom. Today I share the story of Megan Johnson, an elementary teacher from Indiana. She has been named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Megan teaches fourth grade at Central elementary School in Plainfield. Her career as an educator spans 18 years. In her classroom, Megan creates lessons that encourage student-centered learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and connections to real-world issues. She also leads efforts to implement evidence-based reading and writing strategies.

To Megan, reading competency is of paramount importance. “Research has shown that if a fourth grader does not have the necessary pillars in place to read well, their chances of success after high school are slim,” she declares. “I cannot let students leave my classroom without an opportunity to succeed.” To help students increase their reading skills, Megan uses learning bags filled with active tools, such as color-changing pens and sensory objects, to help students build literary competency.

Megan reveals she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, she loved school. She remembers that her teachers helped her build confidence and discover her talents, despite being a student who often blended in, she continues. “I realized that what I loved most was the relationships and the sense of belonging that school created,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be part of giving that same experience to my own students one day,” she concludes.

Megan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 2007. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. In addition, she has earned an endorsement in Early Literacy.

Read more about Megan Johnson in this article published by Town Post Network.

 

Teachers celebrate Women’s History Month with their students

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All during the month of March, teachers all over the country will be celebrating Women’s History Month with their students. The annual observance features women’s contributions to history, culture, and society, and has been celebrated in the United States since 1987.

Women’s History Month had its origins as International Women’s Day, a day that commemorated the Feb. 28 meeting of social reformers and suffragists in Manhattan, New York, in 1909. On March 8, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Europe—particularly in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark. However, the holiday wasn’t widely celebrated in the United States until 1975, when the event was first sponsored by the United Nations.

In March 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was the official start of National Women’s History Week. That same year, Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and Representative Barbara Mikulski of Maryland co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring the week of March 8, 1981, National Women’s History Week. By 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March Women’s History Month. Since then, every president has declared the month of March Women’s History Month.

It’s important that teachers observe this annual event to remind ourselves, and also teach our students, about the many accomplishments made by women throughout history. From science to literature to politics to the arts, the month-long celebration offers a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who have led the way for change, not only in our country, but also around the world.

So, Chalkboard Champions, teach on!

Richard C. Alvarez was an outstanding educator and US veteran

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Richard Cortez Alvarez was a longtime and outstanding educator in Southern California. He was also a veteran of the United States Army. Photo credit: Inland Daily Bulletin

Many longtime and outstanding educators have also served our country in the military. This is certainly the case with Richard Cortez Alvarez, a high school teacher who served in the United States Army.

Richard was born on Jan. 5, 1935, in Cucamonga, Southern California. He was the youngest child in a family of itinerant farmworkers. When he was growing up, Richard attended schools in Pomona, Southern California. As a student at Pomona High School, he met Laura Zeckendorf, whom he married in 1957. After his high school graduation, Richard served in the US Army. During the years he served, he completed a tour of duty in Korea.

Once he returned from Korea, Richard completed coursework at Mt. San Antonio College. He also studied at the University of LaVerne, and California State University at Fullerton (CsUF). It was at CSUF where he earned his Master’s degree in Fine Arts.

The former veteran inaugurated his career as an educator at Garey High School in Pomona. Later he devoted 25 years of his professional career to teaching at his alma mater, Mt. San Antonio College.

Sadly, Richard Cortez Alvarez passed away on Jan. 24, 2026, at his home in Pomona, California. He was 91 years old. To honor this Chalkboard Champion, a memorial scholarship has been established in his name.

VA teacher Clara Byrd Baker was also a civic leader and suffragist

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Clara Byrd Baker

Elementary school teacher Clara Byrd Baker of Virginia worked tirelessly to improve social conditions in her community as a civic leader and suffragist. Photo credit: Hampton University

There are many examples of talented classroom teachers who have worked tirelessly to improve social conditions in their community. One of these is Clara Byrd Baker, an elementary school teacher from Virginia who has earned a reputation as an outstanding civic leader and suffragette.

Clara was born on June 22, 1886, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her parents were Charles and Malvina Carey Byrd. As a young woman, Clara enrolled in Hampton Institute. She also attended Virginia State College for Negroes, now known as Virginia State College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She was only 16 years old at the time.

After earning her degree, Clara launched her career as an educator in 1902 when she accepted a position as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in James City County, Virginia. In 1920, she became a teacher at a public training school for African American students. Later, she joined the faculty at Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg. After a career in the classroom that spanned an amazing 50 years, Clara retired in 1952.

Throughout her life, even during the years she taught school, Clara served as a leader in Williamsburg’s African American community. She worked to expand educational opportunities for students, to improve inter-racial relations, and to secure the vote for women. In fact, after the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, Clara became the first woman in Williamsburg to vote.

For her efforts, Clara earned numerous accolades. In 2007, she was honored by the Virginia State Library and Archives as an African American Trailblazer. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation recognized her achievements in 2011. The Virginia State University Alumni Association gave her a Meritorious Service Award and named her their Alumni of the Year. In 1989, a newly-built elementary school in Williamsburg was named in her honor.

Clara Baker Byrd passed away on October 20, 1979, at the age of 93. She is interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg.

ELEM teacher Shelly Teel named finalist for 2026 Florida State Teacher of the Year

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Elementary school teacher Shelly Teel has been named a finalist for 2026 Florida State Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Florida Department of Education

Many exceptional educators work with young people in American schools, and occasionally one of them is singled out for special recognition. One of these is Shelly Teel, an elementary school teacher from Florida. She has been named one of five finalists for her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Florida State Department of Education.

Shelly teaches third graders at Westside Elementary School in Columbia County, where she grew up. She is known for her use of holistic and inclusive teaching practices, building strong student-teacher relationships, and a strong sense of community.

“I use small groups to drive everything that I do,” reveals Shelly, “so if I teach it whole group, I’m re-teaching it in small group, and that gives me a chance to interact with my kids on every single standard,” she continues. Shelly also provides after-school tutoring.

Shelley’s expertise as an educator and communicator is widely known. “Mrs. Teel possesses a remarkable ability to make learning both fun and engaging,” declares Columbia County School Superintendent Keith Couey. “She is a truly exceptional educator whose dedication, passion and ability to connect with students sets her apart,” he continues.

Shelly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Leo University. She has also earned her certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages and she is certified in Reading.

The 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year state finalists were selected from nearly 175,000 public school teachers. The criteria used to select these exemplary teachers includes an outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional learning, and outstanding school and community service. The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.