Our 2026-27 Regional Winners

“My teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that to truly engage students, we must dissolve the walls of the classroom and weave application and the community into the curriculum.”

“When students observe the teacher treating all students with respect it sets a standard. Every student is unique and deserves fair treatment.”

“My role as a teacher is not to simply deliver information, but to design experiences that make learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful.”

“In my experience, students respond best to content that is relevant and engaging while meeting standards, and creating these units is one of the best parts of my job.”

“Creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued for their unique identity is more than a professional goal for me, it is a personal mission.”

“Helping students connect to their community is essential to education. It shows them that they are a part of something bigger than themselves and their school.”

“At the heart of my classroom culture is relationship-building. I make a consistent effort to know my students as individuals, not just as learners.”

“Ultimately, my goal is not just to teach history, but to help students better understand themselves, each other, and the world they are shaping.”

“Expertise in a field is important, but what matters most is using that expertise to create opportunities where every student can succeed.”

“Education should be at least as interesting now as it was in the beginning, when people told stories around the campfire. We need stories that give students a reason to do the work of learning.”

“Learning about one another’s differences is essential; through those differences, we build understanding, deepen empathy, and ultimately learn to celebrate one another.”

“Learning happens best when it is organic, captivating and inquiry based. One of my most important jobs as a teacher is enthusiastically delivering instruction and doing so with positive energy.”

“As a high school functional skills special education teacher, I have a huge passion for genuine inclusion and creating opportunities for students with disabilities.”

“My classroom is a space where students encounter rigor, self-discovery, and voice, and where I get to witness their continual development as thinkers, readers, and human beings.”

“I want my students to be willing to take risks rather than fear making mistakes. Creating a warm and welcome environment where students feel safe is thereby very important to me.”

“Ultimately, my classroom reflects my commitment to honoring students’ linguistic assets, fostering deep understanding, and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.”

“Connecting my students with their peers and their community is at the foundation of my work. The growth that results from these connections is both visible and lasting.”