The process of selecting the Lake County Teacher of the Year is not a popularity contest nor is it politically charged. Each school votes on its own Teacher of the Year nominee using guidelines from the Department of Education. These nominees are required to complete an application which defines their teaching philosophy and their opinion on educational issues and trends. The applications are scored by six judges. The teachers with the top 3 scores are named finalists. At this point all scores are taken back to zero and three judges not affiliated with the district conducted site visits and interviews with the finalists to determine the 2026 Teacher of the Year.

We are always looking for sponsors so that each of our Teachers of the Year can join us in the celebration at no cost to them.

Meet our 2026 Teacher of the Year Nominees.