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Teacher of the Year

2024-2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Period is CLOSED! The 2026 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.

If you have any questions about this request, please don’t hesitate in reaching out. Thank you!

 

Pete Daley - 2026 Teacher of the Year

In a surprise early morning assembly at Hutchison High School in Fairbanks, Alaska, Commissioner Deena Bishop presented Peter Daley, a welding instructor, with the honor of being named the 2025-2026 Alaska Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Daley has been an educator in Alaska for 23 years and has served as a welding teacher at Hutchison High School since 2010. His contributions to career and technical education include launching a pipe welding academy in partnership with the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, as well as founding the Girls Who Weld summer program, which encourages young women to pursue careers in welding.

Daley is known for instilling not only technical skills in his students, but also the professionalism and work ethic essential for success in the workforce. He has grown community partnerships whereby industry has a hand in guiding his programs, making the knowledge gained valuable to students and future employers alike. In addition, a heavy emphasis is placed on service projects that help give back and benefit the local community.

“Pete has demonstrated exceptional dedication to countless students pursuing careers in the trades,” said Commissioner Bishop. “His commitment to passing on his craft and his passion for his community have earned him this well-deserved recognition. As educators, we aim to make a lasting difference in students’ lives, and Pete’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching.”

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, Alex Van Wyhe from Haines 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.