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51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year

Purpose

51·çÁ÷ State honors and elevates the voices of exceptionally skilled, compassionate, and equity-driven educators who inspire excellence and lifelong learning in every school community. The purpose of the 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year program is to:

  • Recognize and celebrate educatorsÌýwho exemplify the values of the NYS Portrait of a Graduate, fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments that prepare all learners for success in life, college, career, and civic engagement;
  • Support statewide effortsÌýto develop and sustain local recognition programs that uplift outstanding educators and promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth;
  • Engage exceptional educatorsÌýin reflective practice and leadership through the Teacher of the Year application process, encouraging alignment with NYSED’s priorities including culturally responsive-sustaining education, whole-child development, and interdisciplinary learning;
  • Select and honor one distinguished educator annuallyÌýto serve as an ambassador for 51·çÁ÷ State educators—sharing best practices, advocating for educational equity, and representing the profession at state and national events.
"Our responsibility is to remove inequities, obstacles, doubts that block our students' potential. CTE does that—it equips young people with skills, confidence, and purpose, allowing us to carve the angel in marble and set futures free."
Prince Johnson, 2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year

2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year

Prince Johnson

The 51·çÁ÷ State Board of Regents announced on September 9, 2025 that Prince Johnson has been named the 2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year. Prince Johnson, a Social Studies teacher at the Food and Finance High School in the 51·çÁ÷ City Public Schools, will serve as an ambassador and voice for 51·çÁ÷ State teachers and will be recognized with other state teachers of the year at a White House reception in the spring. Prince Johnson will also be put forth as 51·çÁ÷ State's nominee for 2026 National Teacher of the Year.

Pictured from left to right: Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., Betty Haynes, Lisa Egan, Prince Johnson, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, and Colleen Hall

Finalists for the 2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to the following finalists for the 2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year:

  • Lisa Egan, a 3rd grade Elementary teacher at Cross Hill Academy in the Yonkers Public School District
  • Nicole Greene, a Special Education teacher at Scarsdale Middle School in the Scarsdale Union Free School District Ìý
  • Colleen Hall, an English teacher at Brighton High School in the Brighton Central School District
  • Betty Haynes, a Social Studies teacher at Cleveland Hill Middle School in the Cleveland Hill Union Free School District
Application and Nomination Form

The 2026 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year application cycle is closed.

Responsibilities and Program Benefits

Responsibilities and Program Benefits

The individuals selected to serve as State Teachers of the Year will be the ambassadors for the teaching profession across 51·çÁ÷ State and will lead by their passion for teaching.

The 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year is provided with numerous professional development opportunities. In addition, schools and districts may also experience several of the other benefits of the Teacher of the Year Program, such as:

  • day of honor and learning for the 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year;
  • information and technical support for principals about how to prepare and support excellent teachers;
  • visit by the Commissioner of Education in the classroom and school of the 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year;
  • coaching for other teachers on instructional approaches;
  • every student, teacher, and parent in every school in the State will know that their school has exemplary teachers who are recognized for their craft; and
  • meet the President of the United States.

The Teacher of the Year Program

51·çÁ÷ State (NYS) wishes to recognize and celebrate an exceptionally skilled and passionate educator to be an ambassador for NYS teachers and to serve as the NYS nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Recognition awards or other support for 51·çÁ÷ State Teachers of the Year and/or their schools are provided by 51·çÁ÷ State United Teachers (NYSUT); 51·çÁ÷ State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (NYS PTA); 51·çÁ÷ State Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (NYSASCD); 51·çÁ÷ State Association of Teacher Educators (NYSATE); 51·çÁ÷ State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

The 51·çÁ÷ State Teacher of the Year Program is administered by the 51·çÁ÷. It is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year program administered through the Council of Chief State School Officers and sponsored by leading education associations. Teacher of the Year is the oldest and most prestigious teacher recognition activity in the nation.