2025 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year

Kimberly Hackett, Triton High School

Kimberly Hackett has been a business and marketing education teacher for the past 28 years and currently works at Triton High School as the Business/Marketing Department Chair, FBLA Co-Advisor, DECA Advisor, Cross Country Coach, and Track Ladies Coach. She has been involved with FBLA for over 25 years and DECA for 6 years, where she continuously stresses the importance of being involved in student service organizations in high school. Whether it's DECA, FFBLA, FFA, HOSA, FCCLA, or even Skills USA, she believes these organizations can help students determine their specialty or expertise for later life. She’s an active participant in her church and likes to travel with her boys to provide them with various cultural learning opportunities along the East Coast.  

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2025 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Finalists

Meet our NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Finalists, whom NSHSS recognizes for their work in helping students build on academic success and grow the skills and desire to impact the global community positively.

May Xiong

May Xiong was born to Hmong refugee parents and came to America in the early 1980s. She was inspired to pursue higher education through the dream her father instilled in her. Being a first-generation student, she navigated the intricacies of higher education with the help of programs like Upward Bound and Early Identification Program. Achieving her goal of being a Secondary English Education teacher, she continued her father's legacy of instilling the importance of higher education as well as the love of learning with her students. After teaching English at Owen-Withee High School in Wisconsin, she went on to give back to the programs that played a vital role in her success in higher education. She is currently a Student Service Coordinator with the Upward Bound program at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. Every summer, she teaches a course for rising seniors to educate them on college preparation procedures, from applying to colleges to researching scholarships. She hopes to enable more first-generation students to "reach for the stars." Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys outdoor recreation with her husband and three children.

Thelvie Cullins

Thelvie Cullins, Jr. has a 20-year career as an award-winning Dallas ISD Math Educator, thriving to create a culture of caring in the classroom. His mission is to prepare young people to become responsible citizens of the global community and to enhance their leadership skills, moral values, and critical thinking in-and well beyond-the classroom.
He has experience teaching high school students all levels of math including AP Calculus AB and BC at the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in Dallas ISD, presently ranked as the best high school in Texas and the sixth best high school in the nation.
At his core, Cullins loves God, his family, his friends, teaching, sports, and traveling. He is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He also enjoys serving with organizations that promote graduation, college preparedness, and access, including the College Board and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI).

Todd Arneson

Before Todd became an educator in 2000, he was an officer in the U.S. Navy for seven years after graduating from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, with degrees in English and French. He has taught both of these subjects (but mostly English) at independent schools in Minnesota, California (Todd left the West Coast too quickly, rather certain that he was not a Californian at heart. He reconsiders this often.), Switzerland and Missouri. An amateur audiophile, Todd spends waaaaay too much money buying vinyl records. He enjoys walking, skiing, reading, cooking, and hot springing. Oh, and coffee too. All with his super cool wife, Kelly.

Sarah Robichaux-Brown

Sarah Robichaux-Brown is an English teacher at Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is a graduate of Texas A&M Corpus Christi, earning both her BA and MA in English. Additionally, Sarah is a National Board Certified teacher, a voluntary process that tests educators to demonstrate accomplished practice and pedagogy. She has taught English for nine years in the tenth through twelfth grades and has a passion for guiding students in their academics as they strive for their best in the world of reading mindfully and writing critically, and for cultivating a positive and engaging environment. Sarah was honored as the 2021-2022 Veterans Memorial Teacher of the Year and as a finalist for Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Currently, Sarah serves as the English department chairperson, teaches AP Language and Composition and Honors English II, and serves as the sponsor of Triumph Over Kid's Cancer, a volunteer organization specializing in improving the lives of children with cancer through support, offering time and support, and bringing public awareness.

Nakisia Sims

Nakisia S. Sims is a passionate and dedicated educator with over 13 years of experience in the field of education, including seven years as a paraprofessional and six years as a Special Education teacher in Liberty County, Georgia. Committed to fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environments, she specializes in differentiated instruction, technology integration, and individualized education plans (IEPs) to support students with diverse learning needs.

Nakisia is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Special Education at Liberty University, where she also earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Governors University and multiple certifications, including endorsements in Autism, Technology Integration, Gifted Education, and Leadership. Her dedication to student success extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as an advisor for Student Council and the Friends Helping Friends club, mentoring both exceptional students and general education peers.

A recognized leader in education, Nakisia has received numerous awards and grants, including the 2022 Staples Thank a Teacher Award, the 2023 WJCL Feature Teacher Award, the 2024 NSHSS Inclusion Grant, and the 2025 Envision Credit Union Classroom Grant. She is also the Committee Chair for The Exceptional Needs Gala, an event that celebrates and uplifts students with special needs.

As a wife, mother, and devoted teacher, Nakisia teaches with her heart, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her passion for education, mentorship, and advocacy continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students and the broader school community.

Adam Galvez

Adam Galvez has taught for fifteen years, teaching a wide variety of classes, ranging from AP Literature and Composition to Ethics and Justice. His career started in Washington state public schools, but he has taught in Catholic schools in Salt Lake City and Chicago for the last twelve years.

Nashunte Ragster-Manuel

Nashunte Ragster-Manuel is a Native of Shreveport, LA. She graduated from Grambling State University in 1999 with a BA in Psychology and has successfully completed her Master’s in Education and a Master's in Human Services. In addition to her degrees, she has completed all coursework towards her Doctoral Degree in Human Services—social Services and community Services.

She has worked with the Caddo Parish School Board Homeless Education Program as the Resource Case Manager for 15 years. She has been instrumental in conducting HUD workshops, acting as a grant writer, and advocating both locally and nationally with the community to ensure that all homeless families have the resources needed to attend school and become self-sufficient. Mrs. Ragster-Manuel also worked as the housing/employment coordinator for the Providence House Family Shelter in Shreveport, La., for 3 years. That position has afforded her the opportunity to network with the community while building strong relationships with both national and local companies for future partnerships. She is also responsible for assisting homeless individuals in finding a career/job that will help them obtain self-sufficiency.

Mrs. Ragster-Manuel implies these positions allowed her to advocate on both a local and national level for a population that is, in some cases, silenced. With her assistance, they were able to connect with the services needed that would be difficult to reach without social support. Currently, Mrs. Ragster-Manuel works as an educator with Caddo Parish Schools, sharing her gifts with the students of Green Oaks High School and helping them become business professionals. She serves in many capacities ( Business Teacher, DECA Coordinator, AP Psychology, AP Computer Science Instructor, and Adjunct Dual Enrollment Professor, Intro to Sociology Susla ) on the campus of Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy. She wants to ensure that all students are provided with the skills, guidance, and motivation needed to lead them towards a successful career. Going into year 25, Mrs. Ragster-Manuel holds the title of Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year and one of 16 Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Athena Leadership Award Honorees.

Mrs. Ragster-Manuel lives by the motto “ Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care “. Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."
~Marian Wright Edelman

Cheryl Bailey

Cheryl Bailey holds a bachelor's degree in French and International Relations from the University of Virginia, a master's degree in Liberal Studies from Duke University, and a PhD in Humanities from Salve Regina University. She became a National Board-Certified Teacher in December 2024 and has been teaching at Rolesville High School in Wake County, North Carolina for six years, where she teaches French and co-advises the Rolesville Coalition for Equity. 

Martha Boggan

Katie Beth Boggan is an English and Creative Writing teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN. She is passionate about student access to high-interest and diverse books. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students deserve the right to explore their identities and feel safe. As she continues her journey as an educator, she is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. Through literature, genuine relationships, and relevant discussions, she aims to create a space where students can learn, grow, and ultimately become the best versions of themselves. Her hope is that the impact of her efforts will resonate with her students for years to come, guiding them as they navigate their paths in the world.

Vilma has volunteered in different roles for numerous organizations, such as Advisory Council for the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF); Interviewer for The Gates Scholarship (TGS); Corporate Board Member for the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Texas Capital; College Counselor for the Texas Association for College Admissions Counseling (TACAC) Camp College; and Adult Leader for Texas Say What.

The most recent recognition for her work has been the appointment to a Special Interest Group (SIG) for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), an Ad Hoc Committee focused on Developing Programs and Services for College Counseling and Admission Professionals at Rural and Small-Town Schools and Colleges; as well as receiving the NSHSS College Counselor Service Award.
Vilma is fully bilingual and bicultural. She was born in Brownsville, Texas, but spent her formative year in Mexico. She has been married to Jason Wolfe for over 25 years, and they have two children, Tatiana and Daniel. Besides spending time with family and friends, Vilma enjoys traveling, skiing, and gardening.

Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award

Award: One (1) top award of $5,000, and nine (9) finalist awards of $1,000

 

Eligibility: Any registered NSHSS Educator that works with high school students in an academic capacity both in the US and internationally. 
A black educator tutoring students

The NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Awards honor outstanding educators worldwide for their significant contributions to student growth and community development. More than just a recognition of teaching expertise, this award celebrates educators who go above and beyond inside and outside the classroom, embodying the highest standards of leadership, innovation, and dedication to their craft. 

 

By spotlighting these outstanding individuals, the awards underscore the vital role educators play in shaping the future of our society. Whether through innovative teaching methods, mentorship, community engagement, or advocacy, these educators inspire their students to reach their full potential and instill in them a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. 

 

To receive the Educator of the Year Award is to join an esteemed community of trailblazers and visionaries who share a common commitment to excellence in education and a passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

 

It all started in 2011 when Mr. James B. Carmicle from Hollywood High School in Los Angeles received the first Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award. The response was overwhelming! Since then, we've proudly selected one remarkable individual each year as our NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year, alongside a prestigious group of finalists who make up the Educators of the Year. 

 

Our Educator of the Year Awards recognizes educators who not only excel in teaching and administration but also serve as role models inside and outside the classroom. They demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to preparing students for success in college and beyond. And the best part? Any high school educator can apply and join this esteemed group of honorees! 

 

The NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year not only receives this prestigious honor but also serves as a representative for NSHSS Educators.  As representatives, they represent the highest standards of educational excellence within our community. Additionally, the NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year and finalists are invited to participate in our Scholar's Days, providing valuable expertise to inspire others. Our awardees may also be called upon to undertake various other duties, further enhancing their contribution to the NSHSS mission of fostering academic success and personal development. 

 

Contact Educator@nshss.org with any questions.

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What our Educators of the Year say about NSHSS

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Jody Zepp
Long Reach High School

"The impact of being honored as a Claes Nobel Educator of the Year lasts a lifetime! One is reminded that we are in the business of saving academic lives and that the best of the best for students is the best for ALL students. This honor amplifies what pedagogical practice is all about, whether we are in minority-majority schools, in schools with over 60 languages, in rural schools, in urban schools, in virtual classrooms... This award continues to inspire both my head and heart - and it generates a will and desire to empower educators everywhere!"

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Helen Freeman
Huntington High School, Huntington, WV

"Being named the Educator Coach of the year for 2020 by the National Society for High School Scholars has reaffirmed my hard work and dedication to students over the past 35 years of my teaching career. Receiving the $5,000 grant in the midst of the COVID–19 Pandemic has definitely been a blessing since it arrived at a time when it was desperately needed. I am thankful and humbled to have received such an outstanding honor from such a prestigious organization."

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Bob Fenster
Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough, NJ

"It is always humbling to receive an award, but also something to be prideful of at the same time, and I am grateful to NSHSS for the efforts it makes to recognize teachers."

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Sofia Gonzalez
Morton East High School, Cicero, IL

"NSHSS has afforded me life-changing opportunities regarding my life's work in education from Top Educator of the Year 2019 to winning a $10,000 grant for girl's education. The support and tangible resources I've received will continue to advance my efforts towards world betterment and equity in the classroom."

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Benjamin Straka
Stillwater Area High School, Houlton, WI

"Thank you for the opportunity for me to highlight my students and my career. Helping students find their passion and grow as individuals is made easier with the financial support offered through organizations like NSHSS. I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful process laid out by the Scholarship and Grants committee."

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Tyler Dufrene
Hahnville High School, Racelance, LA

"Words cannot express how honored and grateful I am to be selected for this prestigious award. As a passionate educator, I pour my heart and soul into every lesson I deliver. It is a true blessing to be recognized for my unwavering devotion to students and their success. I offer my heartfelt appreciation to the Scholarship & Grants committee for their time in reviewing my application and decision to invest in me and my development as a distinguished educator."

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Jose Rivas
Lennox Mathematics, Science, and Technology Academy, Lennox, CA

“I want to thank the Scholarship & Grants committee for selecting me for this incredible honor! As a teacher, I went into the profession because I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives and create positive change. Through the application process, this recognition has helped me to reflect on my years as an educator and the impact I am making every day to my students and the community. I am truly humbled by being selected as the 2022 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year from a pool of other educators that are also doing incredible things in their schools. Thank you!”

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Vanessa Radice
Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High, Miami, FL

"In life, where there can be so much uncertainty, having a teacher can make all the difference. A teacher's ability to be compassionate, flexible, supportive, and continuously go beyond expectations is truly admirable. Providing leadership, courage, and guidance to students, families, and the overall community is truly a calling. NSHSS is more than just a resource, it is a worldwide network of high achieving scholars and educators, that share the same missions and vision to create lifelong learners and independent, authentic, citizens of society. I would like to encourage you to explore the many ways that they help students and us educators reach our goals and allow us to access our dreams. The NSHSS platform is extremely user-friendly, guiding both students and educators, step by step, on how to complete scholarship and grant applications. What is also nice is that customer service is always available when you call or email, and they are willing to guide you every step of the way."

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Michael Collins
Ruben S. Ayala High School, Chino Hills, CA

"We really appreciate the recognition by NSHSS and the outstanding support and resources your organization provides students, parents and teachers."

Previous Educators of the Year

2025 Top Educator of the Year: Kimberly Hackett, Triton High School, Fayetteville, NC

2025 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Nakisia Sims, Liberty County High School, Hinesville, GA
  • May Xiong, Eau Claire Memorial High School, Eau Claire, WI
  • Martha Boggan, Dobyns Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN
  • Thelvie Cullins, Talented and Gifted Magnet School, Dallas, TX
  • Todd Arneson, Gary Comer College Prep, Chicago, IL
  • Sarah Robichaux-Brown, Veterans Memorial High School, Corpus Christi, TX
  • Adam Galvez, Depaul College Prep, Chicago, IL
  • Nashunte Ragster-Manuel, Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy, Shreveport, LA
  • Cheryl Bailey, Rolesville High School, Rolesville, NC

2024 Top Educator of the Year: Vanessa Radice, Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High, Miami, FL

2024 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Jenna Hagengruber, Overton High School, Nashville, TN
  • Scott Tanaka, Minooka Community High School, Minooka, IL
  • Vilma Wolfe, Saint Joseph Academy, Brownsville, TX
  • Michael Collins, Ruben S. Ayala High School, Chino Hills, CA
  • Shelly Maloney, Northern Nash High School, Rocky Mount, NC
  • Erin Miller, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL
  • Raquel Bolanos, American Heritage School, Plantation, FL
  • Marisa Sousa, Oliver Ames High School, North Easton, MA
  • William Heidenfeldt, Salesian College Preparatory, Richmond, CA

2022 Top Educator of the Year: Jose Rivas, Lennox Math, Science and Technology Academy, Lenox, CA

2022 Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Kimberly Phinney, Cambridge Christian School, Tampa, FL
  • Gloria Masterton, Legion Collegiate Academy, Rockhill, SC
  • Matthew Hummel, Delaware County Christian School, Newtown Square, PA
  • Bob Fenster, Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough, NJ
  • Tyler Dufrene, Hahnville High School, Raceland, LA
  • Benjamin Straka, Stillwater Area High School, Oak Park Heights, MN
  • Gigi Azam, Crockett Early College High School, Austin, TX
  • Shawn Mitchell, Duval High School, Lanham, MD
  • Trevon Lamar, Shiloh High School, Snellville, GA

2021 Top Educator of the Year: Kate Margrave, Pine Creek High School, Colorado Springs, CO

2021 Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • William South, Sevier County High School, Sevierville, TN
  • Elise Knable, Caesar Rodney High School, Camden, DE
  • Kevin Cohea, Don Tyson School of Innovation, Springdale, AK
  • Camilla Walck, Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA
  • Melissa Tracy, Odyssey Charter School, Wilmington, DE
  • Matthew Strine, Monessen High School, Monessen, PA
  • Michele Lamons-Raiford, Pinole Valley High School, Pinole, CA
  • John Stokes, Park Magnet School, Bismarck, AR
  • Thelvie Cullins, School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, Dallas, TX

2020 Top Principal of the Year: Robert Anstey, Canada Star Secondary School, Richmond, BC, Canada

2020 Top Principal of the Year Finalist: Darion Walton, Dallas ISD, Dallas, TX

2020 Top Teacher of the Year: Dr. Chikezie Madu, White Station High School, Memphis, TN

2020 Top Teacher of the Year Finalists: 

  • Rajini Sundararaj, Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, Jonesboro, GA
  • Andrea Price, Mt. Zion High School, Jonesboro, GA
  • Tobie Lambert, Mississippi School of the Arts,  Brookhaven, MS
  • Dr. Larina Warnock, Roseburg High School, Roseburg, OR
  • Kristie Letter, Peak to Peak High School, Lafayette, CO
  • Dave Case, Hood River Valley High School, Hood River, OR
  • Katherine Amos, Sierra High School, San Diego, CA

2020 Top Counselor of the Year: Michelle Gomez, Canyon Springs High School, Moreno Valley, CA

2020 Top Counselor of the Year Finalists: 

  • Sylvester Hanner, George Westinghouse High School, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Dr. Clara Lauderdale, Westfield High School, Houston, TX

2020 Top Coach of the Year: Helen Freeman, Huntington High School, Huntington, WV

2020 Top Coach of the Year Finalists: 

  • Lem Wheeles, A.J. Dimond High School, Anchorage, AK
  • Michael Grether, Rolesville High School, Rolesville, NC

2020 Top Band/Music Director of the Year: Kristen Singer, Harborside Academy, Kenosha, WI

2020 Top Band/Music Director of the Year Finalists:

  • Robin Gin, Northview High School, Covina, CA
  • Kelli Morrison, Portales High School, Portales, NM
  • Christopher Wink, North Babylon High School, North Babylon, N

2019 Top Educator of the Year: Sofia Gonzalez, J S Morton High School East, Cicero, IL

2019 Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Cristin Calder, Archbishop McCarthy High School, Southwest Ranches, FL
  • Davida Robinson, Uplift Peak Preparatory, Dallas, TX
  • Jason Schrock, Howell High School, Howell, MI
  • Meredith McCullough, Kenai Central High School, Kenai, AK
  • Sean Pang, Rockville High School, Rockville, MD
  • Sean Russell, Manchester Central High School, Manchester, NH
  • Stephanie Lopez, Preparatory Academy for Writers, Queens, NY
  • Tiffany Bernier, Valencia High School, Valencia, CA
  • Tracy Bates, Norman North High School, Norman, OK

2018 Top Educator of the Year: Christine Fryer, MLK - Educational Campus High School for Law Advocacy and Community Justice, New York, NY

2018 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Mary Buehner, Ashley Ridge High School, Summerville, SC
  • Ashley Butler, Pickens High School, Pickens, SC
  • Diana Gano, Glenda Dawson High School, Pearland, TX
  • Tiffany Jackson, Travis Early College High School, San Antonio, TX
  • Dana Kelly, Central High School MCA, Louisville, KY
  • Michele Lamons-Raiford, Pinole Valley High, Pinole, CA
  • Dawn Lister, Calvert High School, Prince Frederick, MD
  • Frances Meetze, Mid-Carolina High School, Prosperity, SC
  • Kathleen Williams, Lake Weir High School, Ocala, FL

2017 Top Educator of the Year: Joyce Kim, Prospect High School, Mount Prospect, IL

2017 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Thelvie Cullins, Jr., School for the Talented and Gifted at Townview Magnet Center, Dallas, TX
  • Kelly Eddy, Churchill High School, Livonia, MI
  • Bob Fenster, Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough, NJ
  • McKenzie Lueders, Dodge City High School, Dodge City, KS
  • Jo-Ann McCauley, Wesleyan School, Norcross, GA
  • Rebecca Nelson, Oswego East High School, Oswego, IL
  • Cate Praggastis, East High School, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Tad Sours, Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR
  • Christopher Wendelin, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, Palos Hills, IL

2016 Top Educator of the Year: Brian Rodriguez, Alameda Science & Technology Institute, Alameda, CA

2016 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Thelvie Cullins, Jr., School for the Talented and Gifted at Townview Magnet Center, Dallas, TX
  • Antonios Ekatomatis, Montgomery Blair High School, Silver Spring, MD
  • Jessie Good, Kohler High School, Kohler, WI
  • Michael Lindblad, Gresham High School, Gresham, OR
  • Vicki McGuigan, The Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, NY
  • Marc Pedersen, Paulding County High School, Dallas, GA
  • Gary Piercey, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Wendy Wooten, Reseda High School, Reseda, CA
  • James Young, Battle Creek Central High School, Battle Creek, MI

2015 Top Educator of the Year: Jody Zepp, Long Reach High School, Columbia, MD

2015 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Jennifer Cullison, Woodland High School, Woodland, WA
  • Cindy Cunningham, Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg, VA
  • Dana Krejcarek, Kohler High School, Kohler, WI
  • Marni Landry, Paradise Valley High School, Phoenix, AZ
  • Stergios Lazos, St. Edward High School, Lakewood, OH
  • Margaret Mitchell, Ridge High School, Basking Ridge, NJ
  • Regina O'Neal, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, East Boston, MA
  • Mary Katherine Parson, Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock, AK
  • Samuel Saenz, East Early College High School, Houston, TX

2014 Top Educator of the Year: Eric Thiel, Amador Valley High, Pleasanton, CA

2014 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Amy Baker, Frenship High School, Wolfforth, TX
  • Kenneth Bernstein, Cantonsville High School, Cantonsville, MD
  • John Carnesecca, Great Oaks High School, Temecula, CA
  • Ana Castro, DuPont Manual High School, Louisville, KY
  • Ronald Hamme, Upper Dauphin Area High School, Elizabethville, PA
  • Michael Madden, William P. Clements High School, Sugar Land, TX
  • Audrey Schindler McDonald, East Boston High School, East Boston, MA
  • Shane Scott, Jerusalem School, Jerusalem, Israel
  • Erin Smith, Spring Ridge Academy, Spring Valley, AZ

2013 Top Educator of the Year: Brian McDonald, Charles E. Jordan High School, Durham, NC

2013 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • Erin Johnston, South Caldwell High School, Hudson, NC
  • Dana Kling, Brookwood High School, Snellville, GA
  • Dr. Teresita Lemus, John A. Ferguson Senior High, Miami, FL
  • Susan New, Trinity High School, Euless, TX
  • David Quinn, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA
  • Laurel Spradley, Earl Warren High School, San Antonio, TX
  • Camilla Walck, Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA
  • David Williams, Valley View High School, Moreno Valley, CA
  • Glenn Yamasaki, Warren High School, Downey, CA

2012 Top Educator of the Year: Patricia Wilson, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington, IN

2012 Top Educator of the Year Finalists:

  • James Brooks, West Wilkes High School, Millers Creek, NC
  • Beth Bynarowicz, Legacy High School, Broomfield, CO
  • Lewis Cobbs, Randolph School, Huntsville, AL
  • Tami Fitzgerald, West Muskingum High School, Zanesville, OH
  • Debra Liberman, George Washington High School, Philadelphia, PA
  • Judy Ritter, North Springs High School, Roswell, GA
  • Brian Rodriquez, Encinal High School, Alameda, CA
  • Melissa Tobin, Methuen High School, Methuen, MA
  • Mark Vondracek, Evanston Township High School, Gurnee, IL