Click on image above to see video
COCONINO COUNTY — Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, announces 2026 Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees. This year, there are 26 nominees for Teacher of the Year and 15 nominees for Rookie Teacher of the Year.
The Coconino County Teacher of the Year Program is designed to honor and celebrate teacher excellence. The objective is not to designate a singular “best” teacher, but rather to recognize and highlight exceptional teachers who have inspired a passion for learning in their students and have distinguished themselves in their profession.
This program extends beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect of public benefits throughout the community. It fosters a culture that applauds teaching excellence, validates the hard work of educators and provides a platform for teachers to address important educational issues. Moreover, it instills pride in students for their teachers, promoting teaching as an admirable career path and showcasing teachers as positive role models. This initiative helps bridge the gap between the community and schools, encouraging public involvement and pride in our educators.
Finalists will be announced in March 2026, and the winners will be announced at our 13th annual celebratory event on April 9, 2026.
Congratulations nominees!
Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Joshua Adams, Tse Yaato High School
- Adrian Alvarez, Grand Canyon School
- Laura Atkins, Thomas Elementary
- Amy Barker, DeMiguel Elementary School
- Erica Beam, Page Early Childhood Learning Center
- Logan Brumm, Flagstaff High School
- Christine Chavez, Grand Canyon School
- Jenny Cummiskey, Pine Forest Charter School
- Barbara Dornan, Flagstaff Junior Academy
- Haven Dubel, Knoles Elementary School
- Kevin English, Williams High School
- Raini Goatson, Glen Canyon Outdoor Academy
- Victoria Gray, Sechrist Elementary School
- Christina Hernandez, Williams Elementary School
- Elaine Jim, STAR School
- Lisa Kirkwood, Montessori School of Flagstaff, Switzer Campus
- Sonja London-Hall, Northland Preparatory Academy
- Ava Miller, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School
- Emily Musta, Flagstaff High School
- Forrest Radarian, Grand Canyon School
- Janna Radarian, Grand Canyon School
- Molly Rogers, Northland Preparatory Academy
- Ashly Smith, Summit High School
- Wyatt Swinton, Page High School
- Lori Wright, Coconino High School
- Jeanne Yost, Grand Canyon School
Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Isabelle Cogger, Flagstaff Junior Academy
- Anne Crosby, Page Early Childhood Learning Center
- Jade Crowley, Cromer Elementary School
- Carissa Foley, Grand Canyon School
- Hannah Golab, Sinagua Middle School
- Kaia Guscott, Flagstaff High School
- Meredith Halvorsen, Page High School
- Morgan Hirst, Thomas Elementary School
- Danielle Marinelli, Flagstaff High School
- Sean McKay, Killip Elementary School
- Gabirelle Neilson, Flagstaff High School
- Lisa Noble, Williams High School
- Tristan Roberts, Grand Canyon School
- Lucy Sobo, Killip Elementary School
- John Taylor, Ponderosa High School
Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year are funded solely by sponsors. Lead Recognition sponsor, Findlay Toyota, provides a vehicle with a 1-year lease to the Coconino County Teacher of the Year winner. APS sponsors the Rookie Teacher of the Year category and Stone Canyon Media is the exclusive media sponsor for Teacher of the Year. Winners and finalists receive cash and prizes due to the generosity of our sponsors. We are grateful to our sponsors for helping us to celebrate great educators in our community.
The County Superintendent’s Office is continuing to secure sponsorships for our 2026 event. To learn more about becoming a sponsor contact Stacy Fobar at sffobar@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-8070.
For more information, please contact Stacy Fobar, Program Coordinator for the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, at 928-679-8070 or email sfobar@coconino.az.gov.