Iowa Teacher of the Year

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Nomination Information
Iowa TOY Speaker Request Form
2026 Iowa TOY Stephanie Pritts

2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year and TOY Finalists
Past Recipients

The Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958 and is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation from the Iowa legislature. The Iowa Department of Education established the Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year award in 2024 to recognize exceptional teachers, representing all nine education regions of the state, who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators. The nine Regional Teachers of the Year serve as finalists for the Iowa Teacher of the Year award.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognize Iowa teachers across the state who advance student learning through evidence-based instruction, empower students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success, learn from and invest in fellow educators and serve students in partnership with families.

The Iowa Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador for the Iowa Department of Education and a representative of and liaison for all Iowa educators.

Nomination Information

Anyone, including school administrators, colleagues, students, parents, college faculty and associations, may nominate teachers for the award. Self-nominations and nominations by family members are not accepted. Winners are chosen by a committee that includes representatives of the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa State Education Association, the School Administrators of Iowa, the Parent Teachers Association, the past Iowa TOY, and representatives from higher education institutions.

The nomination period for the 2027 Iowa Teacher of the Year has ended. Nominations for the 2028 award will open in February 2027.

Iowa TOY Speaker Request Form

2026 Iowa TOY Stephanie Pritts

Stephanie Pritts, a 23-year veteran elementary teacher and instructional coach from Sheldon Community School District is the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year.

See photos from the announcement event, watch the announcement video, and view an interview with Pritts.

“Stephanie Pritts is the kind of teacher whose impact extends well beyond the walls of the classroom, and she shares her expertise with educators in the district,” Governor Reynolds said. “Her desire to help every student succeed shows what’s possible when teaching techniques draw on proven practices grounded in evidence-based approaches, while also emphasizing tailored interventions for students who are struggling. This is what teaching looks like at its very best, and I was excited to present this award to Stephanie in the presence of her students and colleagues.”

The Iowa Teacher of the Year award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators.

“Iowa is delivering remarkable results for students because of outstanding educators, like Stephanie, who accelerate student achievement through evidence-based instruction, support their colleagues in doing their best work, and reinforce learning through strong partnerships with families,” Director Snow said. “Stephanie leads a strong instructional support system to meet the unique needs of each learner, and she does so with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to her students, fellow educators, and community.”

Pritts was selected from nine finalists who were recently named as Iowa’s Regional Teachers of Year, representing all education regions of the state. Pritts also serves as the Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year.

“I believe that to engage students, teachers must have strong relationships, because great teaching and learning is built on the foundation of mutual trust,” 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year Pritts said. “It is also important to challenge our students to engage in authentic learning and higher-order thinking, because we as educators are always working to prepare them for success.”

Pritts makes it a priority to build strong partnerships with families, hosting literacy nights to help reinforce at home what their children are learning at school. She also organized and facilitated a literacy conference for the school district aligned to the Science of Reading, and she supports the implementation of high-quality instructional materials with fidelity and strong multi-tiered systems of support for students.

“One of the fun and exciting parts of my leadership role as a PK-12 instructional coach is that it allows me to have an eagle-eye view of our teaching so that we can implement district-wide initiatives based on data and student needs,” Pritts said. “I’m incredibly proud—and grateful—to work alongside such wonderful teachers and administrators who care so deeply for students, strive for excellence and put in the necessary work and learning to do what’s best for our students.”

Pritts is committed to supporting both student achievement and teacher development, analyzing student data, implementing high-impact strategies and ensuring instructional effectiveness. That work guides her action plans, shapes instruction and keeps the focus on student achievement and growth. She also leads the district’s new teacher mentor program and facilitates the teacher leadership team to best support all learners.

2027 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year and TOY Finalists

Central Rivers Regional Teacher of the Year

Ashley Cardamone, Cedar Falls Community School District

Cardamone, a secondary art teacher at Cedar Falls Community School District’s Holmes Junior High, has 15 years of experience engaging students in art education, both in secondary and postsecondary classes. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master of Art Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where she is also a candidate for an Advanced Studies Certificate in Educational Leadership. Cardamone believes that all students can learn at high levels no matter their artistic experience and she supports each student as they build skills, generate and develop ideas, create original artwork and reflect on their learning. She has also taught undergraduate courses for preservice art teachers and graduate courses for practicing art teachers. Outside of art education, she has also served as a coordinator for afterschool programming and is a member of the school’s Building Leadership Team. Cardamone is a past recipient of several awards for outstanding teaching, including the University of Northern Iowa’s Yager Exemplary Teaching Recognition Award. Whether in the classroom or at an afterschool program, Cardamone prioritizes engaging students in authentic learning.

Meet Ashley Cardamone

Grant Wood Regional Teacher of the Year

Jessica Howard, Lone Tree Community School District

Howard has served as a middle school and high school business and computer science teacher at Lone Tree Community School District for the past 10 years, now serving on the district leadership team. She works hard to expand opportunities for students, including as concurrent enrollment course instructor in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, adviser for the school district’s chapters for National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America, and coach of Lone Tree’s state champion esports team. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Upper Iowa University, a Master of Teaching and Learning degree from the University of Iowa and a computer science certificate from the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Virginia. Prior to becoming a teacher through the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, Howard worked in the private sector at Lee Enterprises and U.S. Cellular. Howard is a former Iowa STEM Teacher Award recipient and has participated in Iowa STEM Externship Program opportunities that paired her with local business and industry partners to advance career-connected learning in her community.

Meet Jessica Howard

Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year

Tracy Madsen, Central Lee Community School District

Madsen, head director of music at Central Lee Community School District, has two decades of experience in music education. He provides leadership for the instrumental music department for grades 5-12 and the vocal music department for grades 7-12, overseeing curriculum, programming, and student development. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Iowa Wesleyan College and has worked extensively to prepare music programs for national and international performances in notable events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, the 75th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the President’s Cup National High School Concert Band Invitational in Washington, D.C. At Central Lee, Madsen has strengthened the rigor and relevance of the music program while emphasizing student-centered leadership opportunities. Madsen has also been recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Southeast District Choral Educator by the Iowa Choral Directors Association and was named the Central Lee Teacher of the Year in 2025. For the past three consecutive years, the Central Lee Community School District has been awarded the National Association of Music Merchants Best Communities for Music Education Award.

Meet Tracy Madsen

Green Hills Regional Teacher of the Year

Lynne Glackin, Woodbine Community School District

Glackin, an elementary education teacher, is in her 25th year of teaching at Woodbine Community School District where she currently teaches third grade, leading the math and science curriculum. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Drake University. Glackin prioritizes personalized learning and creating a classroom environment focused on growth, mastery and student ownership of their learning. In this work she makes sure that her students understand that learning is a process and part of that process is supporting each other and learning from mistakes. In support of student growth, she participates in Professional Learning Communities with her colleagues to regularly review student data to inform and adjust individualized student instruction and support where needed. Beyond the classroom, Glackin serves on the district’s leadership team and also mentors her peers in curriculum implementation and student behavior support. She is committed to being a positive influence in her students’ lives throughout their entire educational experience and beyond.

Meet Lynne Glackin

Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year

Jana Dewhurst, Johnston Community School District

Dewhurst, a veteran early childhood educator at Johnston Community School District’s Wallace Elementary School, has more than 30 years of experience working with young children and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, with a special education option, from Iowa State University. Dewhurst is passionate about creating an engaging classroom where every student feels seen, safe, and valued. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes strong cognitive, physical, and behavioral development through meaningful, hands-on learning and discovery. She believes that meeting students where they are and ensuring they feel cared for are essential to learning. Dewhurst also views student success as a collaborative effort and works to build strong, trusting partnerships with parents and caregivers. She considers her classroom a community of learners with shared expectations and responsibilities. Throughout her career, Dewhurst has remained committed to helping Iowa’s youngest learners explore, grow, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for future success.

Meet Jana Dewhurst

Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year

Tera Bunn, Oelwein Community School District

Bunn, who is beginning her first year as a PK–4 instructional coach and interventionist at Oelwein Community School District, brings 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She previously taught preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and Title I reading. Bunn earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University, with endorsements in reading, early childhood, and coaching, and a Master of General Education from Viterbo University. A lifelong learner, Bunn actively collaborates with colleagues, shares instructional strategies, and mentors new teachers. She has served on several district committees, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the building leadership team. Bunn is also involved in PAWSitively Oelwein, which supports the use of comfort dogs in schools to promote safe and healthy learning environments. Beyond the school day, she participates in the Husky Adventures afterschool program, youth summer theatre camp, and STEM and literacy family nights. Bunn believes strong connections, both inside and outside the classroom, are essential to student success.

Meet Tera Bunn

Mississippi Bend Regional Teacher of the Year

Mitchel Dierickx, Davenport Community School District

Dierickx, a first grade teacher at Davenport Community School District’s Madison Elementary School, has spent the past nine years creating a positive learning environment and supporting the growth of young learners. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and is expected to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University later this year. Dierickx is a teacher leader in his school and district, serving on the Building Student Assessment Team, leading the first grade Professional Learning Community, and serving as a model teacher in lesson structure, instructional planning, and student behavior management. He also co-advises student council and serves as a staff representative for the Parent-Teacher Organization. In 2025, he was named an inaugural recipient of Davenport’s Heart of Excellence Award. Dierickx credits data-driven instruction, strong relationships, and collaboration with colleagues for his success. He believes all students can achieve at high levels when supported by high expectations, strong instruction, and a caring, supportive environment.

Meet Mitchel Dierickx

Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year

Roselyn Schillerstrom, West Lyon Community School District

Schillerstrom, an English language arts teacher at West Lyon High School, has been enthusiastically teaching and working with students for 30 years. She believes that effective research and writing build critical thinking skills and help students understand the power of language in lifelong learning and in everyday life. Schillerstrom has a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master in Educational Leadership and Development degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. She has served in many leadership roles in her district, including as an instructional coach providing district-wide professional development, as a student teacher mentor, and in her current role as the Professional Development Coordinator with expertise in research-based classroom practices and building collaboration with colleagues. She is a trusted colleague among her peers and consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching through her ability to engage students and create a classroom where all learners feel valued and challenged.

Meet Roselyn Schillerstrom

Prairie Lakes Regional Teacher of the Year

Abby Goodlaxson, Okoboji Community School District

Goodlaxson, a physical education and health teacher at Okoboji Community School District, has spent the past 27 years empowering students through fitness and wellness activities. She has dedicated her career to fostering high-energy learning environments centered on self-discovery, physical activity enjoyment and healthy habits that set students up for long-term success. Goodlaxson has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Morningside University, with endorsements in PE, health education and coaching. She has been instrumental in designing the district’s Unified PE and Adventure PE curricula, which supports physical education for every learner and incorporates outdoor experiential challenges to build teamwork. Her goal is to provide a space where students feel supported in stepping outside of their comfort zones and that they leave her class with the resiliency to try new activities. Goodlaxson has been recognized at the state, regional and national levels, including by the former Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAPHERD) and as the SHAPE America Central District Teacher of the Year. She was one of six finalists for the SHAPE National Teacher of the Year in 2017.

Meet Abby Goodlaxson

Past Recipients