2027 Texas Teacher of the Year Application Now Open

The 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year (TOY) application is now open, and it is a great time to celebrate the incredible work happening in classrooms across the state. If your district or charter school has already named its Teachers of the Year, now is the moment to take that recognition one step further.

Each district and charter operator may nominate two educators, one elementary and one secondary teacher, to move forward in the process. If you are one of those nominees, you are invited to complete the TOY application and share your story and the difference you make for your students each day. Applications must be submitted by midnight on June 15, 2026, and once completed, they are automatically sent to your regional Education Service Center. You can get started here: tasanet.org/awards/texas-teacher-of-the-year.

ATPE is proud to sponsor the annual Texas Teacher of the Year program, which is facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).

What Happens Next

From there, the journey continues at the regional level, where nominees from across Texas are considered for Regional Teacher of the Year. Forty educators will be selected statewide, representing both elementary and secondary classrooms. Those individuals then advance as semifinalists, with six finalists ultimately chosen to continue through interviews. In the end, two educators will be named Texas Teacher of the Year, and one will go on to represent Texas on the national stage.

If you are looking for inspiration, you can read about past winners (and ATPE members!) who have used this opportunity to make a difference. Vickiela Wright, a fifth grade English language arts and social studies teacher at McWhirter Elementary School in Clear Creek ISD, leads with heart and continues to elevate student voices across Texas: atpenews.org/vickiela-wright-leads-with-heart-and-texas-is-listening. Christine Mihealsick, an AP Environmental Science teacher at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD, has focused on helping educators rediscover joy and support in their work: atpenews.org/cultivating-passion. Taniece Thompson-Smith has worked to transform communities through education and service: atpenews.org/above-and-beyond.

The 2027 winners will be announced Oct. 16 at the Kalahari Resort, where educators from across the state will come together to celebrate and support one another.

ATPE encourages districts and charter schools to continue lifting up their outstanding educators by submitting nominations, and we hope those selected will embrace this opportunity. If you are eligible, consider applying and taking that next step in your professional journey. For more details about the process, visit tasanet.org/awards/texas-teacher-of-the-year.

Texas classrooms are full of inspiring stories. This is your chance to share yours.