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New York State Teacher of the Year

Purpose

The 2028 Teacher of the Year Application Cycle is now open.

2028 Teacher of the Year Application

New York 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 New York 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 New York State educators—sharing best practices, advocating for educational equity, and representing the profession at state and national events.
"I believe our greatest responsibility as educators is not only to teach students what they need to know, but to help them recognize what they are capable of becoming.When a student feels seen, believed in, and empowered, the possibilities are limitless."
Emiliano Geoninatti, 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year

2027 New York State Teacher of the Year

Emiliano Geoninatti

The New York State Board of Regents announced on September 15, 2026, that Emiliano Geoninatti has been named the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year. Emiliano Geoninatti, a Spanish teacher at R.C. Middle School in the Three Village Central School District, will serve as an ambassador and voice for New York State teachers and will be recognized with other state teachers of the year at a White House reception in the fall. Emiliano Geoninatti will also be put forth as New York State's nominee for 2027 National Teacher of the Year.

Press Release announcing 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year Emiliano Geoninatti

Finalists for the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to the following finalists for the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year:

  • Erin Althen, a music teacher at Westhill High School in the Westhill Central School District
  • Jack Chen, a CTE teacher at Sewanhaka High School School in the Sewanhaka Central High School District Ìý
  • Anastasia Polashenski, a music teacher at Loretta Johnson Middle School in the Rochester City School District
Application and Nomination Form

Celebrate and recognize the outstanding teaching that takes place in classrooms throughout New York and nominate a teacher!

A teacher may be initially nominated by any person within the school or community including parents, students, business leaders, school administrators, or colleagues using theÌýnomination form. The formal nomination should involve a collaborative decision-making process indicating the support of all the groups concerned with the quality of teaching within a school. A completeÌýapplicationÌýincluding letters of support is submitted for each nominee. Support from the school community may include approximately 30 days of release time to fulfill the obligations of the Teacher of the Year.

2028 Teacher of the Year applicationÌý

2028 Teacher of the Year nomination form

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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 New York State and will lead by their passion for teaching.

The New York 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 New York State Teacher of the Year;
  • information and technical support for principals about how to prepare and support excellent teachers;
  • visit by the Commissioner of °µÍøTV in the classroom and school of the New York 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

New York 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 New York State Teachers of the Year and/or their schools are provided by New York State United Teachers; New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.; New York State Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development; New York State Association of Teacher Educators; New York State School Boards Association; and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

The New York State Teacher of the Year Program is administered by the °µÍøTV. It is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year program, administered through CCSSO and sponsored by leading education associations. Teacher of the Year is the oldest and most prestigious teacher recognition activity in the nation.