In Minnesota, Education Minnesota member David Davis has been named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year for creating joyful, student-centered learning through music education. At Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, students compose original music, collaborate creatively and connect learning to their identities and communities. Through creativity and cultural responsiveness, Davis is helping students see themselves as artists, thinkers and leaders.

In Ohio, Cleveland Teachers Union member Carla Neely has been named a 2026 inductee to the National Teachers Hall of Fame for her work supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. As a middle school teacher, Neely centers student wellness, belonging and strong relationships to help young people grow into confident leaders ready to shape their futures.

In New York, United Federation of Teachers member Prince Johnson has been named the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year for creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences that connect history to students’ lives. At Food and Finance High School in Manhattan, Johnson incorporates culinary history and geography into his teaching while creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported and empowered.

In California, United Teachers Los Angeles member Peg Cagle is helping students see themselves as capable mathematicians through classrooms rooted in inclusion, identity and belonging. By challenging narrow ideas about who can succeed in math, she’s creating learning environments where students’ cultures and experiences are reflected and valued.

In California, Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees members brought books and community together through a Reading Opens the World giveaway, distributing thousands of diverse, high-quality books to students. By helping young people see themselves reflected in what they read, they’re building a love of literacy, strengthening identity and showing how public schools can be hubs of connection, pride and opportunity.

United Federation of Teachers members are showing how career and technical education can transform students’ futures at Thomas A. Edison High School. From robotics to solar technology, students are gaining hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world careers. Through apprenticeships and active learning, educators are helping students build skills, confidence and direction—preparing them not just for tests, but for life.

In Oklahoma, Tulsa Public Schools is celebrating the impact of educators and support staff. Fifth-grade teacher Akela Leach and parent involvement facilitator Tyseeke Edwards have been named the district’s 2026 Teacher and Support Professional of the Year. With nearly three decades of service, Edwards has helped strengthen relationships and school communities—showing the vital role support professionals play in student success.

In New Hampshire, members of the Campton Educational Support Personnel Association are transforming one student’s school experience and an entire school community along the way. When first grader Ben, who is deaf, felt isolated, paraprofessionals Stephanie Gaiero, Laurie Reed and Marlaina O’Reilly, along with Teacher of the Deaf Cheryl Ulicny and Ben’s classmates, stepped up to learn sign language together. Today, students and staff are using sign to connect, communicate and build relationships, showing how inclusive schools can open up a world of possibility for every child.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers and Employees member and school librarian Amanda Jones is standing up to book bans and defending students’ right to read. Through her advocacy, writing and grassroots organizing, she is helping build community support for libraries and intellectual freedom, showing how educators are pushing back against censorship and ensuring students have access to diverse voices and ideas.

Members of New York State United Teachers are leading the way on reducing classroom distractions and strengthening student engagement. A new statewide cellphone ban is helping students focus, build relationships and fully participate in learning. This effort shows how educators and unions can work together to create school environments where students can thrive academically and socially.

Members of AFT Connecticut's Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel are highlighting the vital role paraprofessionals play in public education—from classrooms to hallways to school buses. Through their care, dedication and daily support of students, paraprofessionals help make learning possible and keep schools running strong—showing how every role in a school community matters.

In Florida, members of St. Johns Educational Support Professional Association are speaking out about how cuts to SNAP and school meal programs would impact students’ ability to learn and thrive. By advocating for proper funding for food and nutrition programs, these school workers are standing up for the resources students need to succeed—because hungry students can’t learn.

Members of United Teachers Los Angeles reached a tentative agreement with LAUSD after 14 months at the bargaining table that delivers major wins—from long-overdue fixes to salary scales and paid parental leave to expanded student support staffing and special education improvements across the district. These gains reflect the power of collective action to secure the resources, protections and supports that strengthen public schools for Los Angeles students and families.

Members of the Montana Federation of Public Employees are being recognized for their leadership in online learning through induction into the Montana Digital Academy Teacher Hall of Fame. These educators helped shape the future of their profession—demonstrating how unions not only protect workers’ rights, but also lead innovation and excellence in teaching.

Members of the Albuquerque Federation of Certified Professionals are supporting students at Valley High School in Albuquerque through the “Viking Closet,” led by Educational Assistant Tillie Velasquez. Providing everything from food to formalwear, the space offers students a sense of dignity, belonging and support—showing how school staff and community partnerships can uplift the whole child.

Members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, alongside AFT Pennsylvania, are expanding opportunities for students at Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy through career and technical education programs. With apprenticeships and full-time careers already lined up for many graduates, these efforts are helping students build stable, affordable futures while still in high school.

Members of the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico came together with community partners in Cataño to celebrate a new edition of the Wave of Books at Mercedes García School of Colorado. The event put books directly into students’ hands, reinforcing that reading opens doors to imagination, critical thinking and future opportunities.

Members of the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly supported students at Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina, Hawai‘i, as they rebuilt after the devastating 2023 wildfire. With strong community support and free tuition from the University of Hawai‘i, 85 percent of the class of 2024 enrolled in college, with some already on track to earn associate degrees.

Education Minnesota member Derek Huseby is building meaningful relationships with students at Mahtomedi Middle School through simple, creative interactions. From daily questions to lunchtime polls, his efforts help students feel seen, safe and engaged—showing that every staff member plays a vital role in creating a positive school community.