The Idaho Teacher of the Year Program, which began in 1959, is one of the most prestigious honors in the state for teachers. The program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching that has a real impact on the students of Idaho. Peers, school personnel, parents, community members and students may nominate teachers.
If you know a teacher who inspires students to achieve, innovates in the classroom, and goes beyond the call of duty to help our students persevere in life and prepare for their future, please fill out the simple nomination form below. The Idaho Department of Education will contact nominated teachers and invite them to apply for Teacher of the Year.
Note: The 2026 Teacher of the Year nomination period closes March 16, 2025.
About Idaho Teacher of the Year
The Idaho Teacher of the Year (ITOY) automatically becomes the nominee for the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, which is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). If the ITOY is selected as the NTOY they will be released from classroom responsibilities during the year of national recognition.
The selected candidate for ITOY will maintain a regular teaching schedule while also fulfilling the duties of the Teacher of the Year position. Some highlights of the position may include:
- Participating in the NTOY Program as a representative of Idaho
- Presenting to the Senate and House Education Committees in Boise during the legislative session
- Travel across Idaho to speak with other educators, legislators, and policymakers about education in the state
- Participating in the CCSSO NTOY Program Induction conference (approx. one week in length)
- Participating in the NTOY Washington Recognition Week in Washington DC (approx. one week in length)
- Participating in International Space Camp in Huntsville, AL (approx. one week in length)
- Participating in the ECS National Forum on Education Policy – location TBD (approx. three days in length)
- Receive a cash prize from the State
Process Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| January 24, 2025 | Nomination window for the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year opens |
| March 16, 2025 | Nomination window closes |
| March 17, 2025 | Application window for the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year opens. *Nominated educators will be contacted by the Idaho Department of Education. Applications are not open to the public. |
| May 9, 2025 | Application window closes |
| May – August, 2025 | Panel reviews applications and selects finalists |
| Fall Semester 2025 | Announcement of the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year |
| November - December, 2025 | National Teacher of the Year application due |
Idaho State Teacher of the Year Selection Criteria
A candidate for Teacher of the Year:
- Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
- Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
- Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
- Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.
- Expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
2025 Teacher of the Year - Heidi Cornell
Heidi Cornell
Idaho Teacher of the Year
Orchards Elementary
2025 Idaho Teacher of the Year Heidi Cornell began her teaching career as a first grade instructor for the Lewiston Independent School District in 2009 before moving to second and finally third grade in the same district. She serves as the school’s Professional Learning Community lead, PBIS Tier 1 facilitator and head teacher. She is also a part of her school’s Guiding Coalition Team and their Crisis Assistance Support Team. Cornell is a graduate of Nyack College in Nyack, New York where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation from Northwest Nazarene University. Her focus on student-centered education gives learners the space they need to thrive and grow in their own unique ways. Cornell will serve as Idaho’s 2025 Teacher of the Year and will be Idaho’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations Heidi Cornell!