During his State of the State address on March 12, Governor Mike DeWine took a moment to highlight an exceptional group of educators: Ohio's 2025 District Teachers of the Year. "Put a good teacher in the classroom and kids will learn," Ohio Governor DeWine said, emphasizing the significant role teachers hold in shaping the trajectories of young minds.
Acknowledging their dedication and impact, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated, "Few things make more of a difference in a young student’s life than the impact of a truly outstanding teacher. Countless teachers across Ohio pour their heart and soul into their work, and their students, every single day." This year's cohort of honored educators includes Melinda Newell, Kimberly Haney, Justin Stone, Alison Sears, Michelle Dohrmann, Treva Bolton, Amanda Schaeffer, Aaron Davis, Jennifer Bindus, Daneé Pinckney, and Jennifer Winkler, the latter of whom, Daneé Pinckney, also holds the title of Ohio Teacher of the Year and will represent Ohio in the National Teacher of the Year selection.
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program, dating back to 1964, is an initiative by the State Board of Education to recognize the diligence and creativity of teachers. With the nominations rooted in recommendations from school administrators, educators, parents, students, and community members, the program's evolution mirrors a statewide commitment to educational excellence. Following a rigorous nomination and selection process, a single educator is chosen to act as an ambassador for their school and the teaching profession as a whole during their tenure as Ohio Teacher of the Year.
As current accolades are bestowed upon these exemplary teachers, the search for next year's most inspiring pedagogues continues nominations for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year are still open, submissions must be received by March 31, details and requirements can be found on the State Board of Education's Teacher of the Year Nomination webpage. This ongoing process elevates the profession and ensures that the stories of the most dedicated educators ripple through communities and classrooms, encouraging the next generation of students and teachers to aspire toward greatness.
