Instructional coach Stephanie Pritts of Sheldon, Iowa, has been named her state’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Sheldon Community School District
There are many exemplary educators who serve in American public schools. Occasionally, one of these garners well-earned recognition for their work. One of these is Stephanie Pritts, who has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year for her home state of Iowa.
Stephanie works as an instructional coach in the Sheldon Community School District located in Sheldon, Iowa. She has worked in this role for the past ten years. Prior to this position, she taught both first and third grades.
As an instructional coach, Stephanie emphasizes relationships, evidence-based practices, and data-driven decision-making. She helps her colleagues in implementing high-impact strategies and reflecting on instructional effectiveness.
This dedicated educator says she always knew she would become a teachers. When she was in elementary school, she says, students were allowed to enter their names in a drawing to take home a teacher’s manual and the student workbooks that hadn’t been fully used. She was always the very first one to enter these drawings and, when she won, she would take home the manuals so she could teach to her stuffed animals in her bedroom.
Sponsored by the Iowa State Department of Education, the Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958. The Iowa Teacher of the Year award recognizes exemplary teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and have made a significant impact on student outcomes and fellow educators. She will represent her state at special events, such as the Space Camp and a week in Washington, DC. She will also take part in the virtual Learn and Launch Conference and the TED-Ed Educator Talks,
Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University and her Master’s degree from Briar Cliff University in 2006. Her career as an educator spans 23 years.
To learn more about Stephanie Pritts, click on this link to an article published online by Briar Cliff University.
