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Teacher of the Year

2025-2026 Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Period is CLOSED! The 2027 winner will be announced in May.

Alaska has many outstanding teachers that are worthy of this award. The Alaska Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program gives us an exciting opportunity to identify Alaska’s best teachers! Any interested Alaska citizen may make nominations for the Alaska Teacher of the Year. The Alaska TOY Program is an excellent way to acknowledge the expertise, skills, accomplishments, and professionalism of teachers within your school. The nomination period is currently closed. Please check back next year to nominate an educator.

Jamin Burton - 2027 Teacher of the Year

Colony High School Celebrates Dr. Jamin Burton as 2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year

Palmer, Alaska — May 2026 — In a surprise early morning assembly at Colony High School, the Department of Education and Early Development presented Dr. Jamin Burton, a music teacher, with the honor of being named the 2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year.

“Dr. Burton represents the very best of Alaska’s educators,” said Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop. “For more than two decades, he has created meaningful opportunities for students through music, leadership, and service. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and student relationships has left a lasting impact not only at Colony High School, but across Alaska. We are proud to recognize Dr. Burton as the 2026–2027 Alaska Teacher of the Year and celebrate the extraordinary difference he continues to make in the lives of students.”

Dr. Burton has taught music at Colony High School since 2004, building an accomplished and nationally recognized high school music program. Throughout his career, he has developed and led a wide range of music courses, including percussion, orchestra, AP music theory, and marching band, while also directing jazz band, concert band, symphonic band, and guitar instruction.

Under his leadership, Colony’s marching band and music students have performed across the United States and internationally, representing Alaska in New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Dublin, and Normandy. Dr. Burton is widely recognized for creating meaningful opportunities for students through music, leadership, travel, and performance experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

A respected educator statewide, Dr. Burton’s previous honors include being named a Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist in 2019, British Petroleum (BP) Teacher of the Year in 2009, and twice being selected as one of School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” Dr. Burton holds degrees from Brigham Young University (B.M.), the University of Alaska Anchorage (M.Ed.), and William Howard Taft University (Ed.D.). He lives in Wasilla with his wife Jennifer and their five children. He says his favorite part of teaching in Alaska is “building relationships with students and watching them accomplish amazing things.”

Each year, Alaskans nominate outstanding educators from across the state. Finalists are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including instructional excellence and community engagement. One is chosen as the Teacher of the Year, and another as the Alternate Teacher of the Year, Angela Coelho from Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Alaska’s Teacher of the Year participates in professional development programs offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers, joining fellow honorees from across the country. Additionally, they represent Alaska as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.

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About the National Teacher of the Year Program

The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The NTOY is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing the major national education organizations. Each April, the NTOY is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States.

Participation in the NTOY Program is available through the State Teacher of the Year Program. Each year the 50 states, five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity name a state teacher of the year.

During the official year of recognition, the NTOY Program is released from classroom duties to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. The teacher's home state and district ensure the teacher's salary and benefits. All scheduling and logistical arrangements for the National Teacher are coordinated through the NTOY Program. National Teachers average over 150 events each year before audiences ranging from several hundred to over ten thousand. Television, radio, and the print media readily utilize National Teachers to represent the voice of education. The National Teacher may be called upon to represent American educators to audiences in other nations. National Teachers are frequently requested to sit on national and state commissions and policy advising bodies.

Criteria for Selection of State Teacher of the Year

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.
  • Has five (5) or more years experience in the field of education.