Celebrating Teachers

America’s Favorite Teacher isn’t just a title—it’s a life-changing celebration of educators who go above and beyond. The 2026 champion earned $25,000, a dream getaway to Hawaii, an assembly hosted by Bill Nye The Science Guy, and an appearance in Reader’s Digest.

DOLLARS RAISED SINCE 2024

$8,446,430

2025 & 2026 Beneficiary

Empowering Exploration, Igniting Curiosity

Through the America’s Favorite Teacher competition, Colossal is proud to have raised over $5.5 million to support The Planetary Society, the world’s largest nonprofit space organization. With a mission to empower global citizens to explore new worlds and seek answers to life’s greatest questions, their work reflects the same dedication to discovery and wonder that educators instill in their students every day.

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2024 Beneficiary

Finding Purpose, Fueling Potential

America’s Favorite Teacher is proud to support Teach For America in their mission to find, develop, and support equity-oriented leaders — individually and in teams — so they can transform education and expand opportunities for students. TFA consists of a network of nearly 70,000 leaders who started in the classroom and remain in lifelong pursuit of the vision that one day, all children will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

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Bill Nye Brings the Wonder

Known for inspiring millions with his passion for discovery, Bill Nye the Science Guy joins America’s Favorite Teacher to honor the educators shaping our future. The 2026 champion earned a special assembly led by the legend himself—an unforgettable experience that celebrates curiosity, science, and the powerful impact of great educators.

The winning teacher’s inspiring story will appear in Reader’s Digest, celebrating their remarkable influence on education and showcasing a legacy of dedication, creativity, and impact that will inspire millions of readers across the nation for years to come.

Meet Our Champions

Ivy Miller

2026 CHAMPION
A 4th grade teacher from Tennessee, Ivy brings heart, patience, and purpose to her classroom. She never imagined becoming a teacher, but found her passion for helping children feel loved and valued. As our champion, she plans to use the prize money for an after-school program and eye surgery for her brother, one of her biggest supporters.
Jonathan Koch

2025 CHAMPION
Humble, passionate, and dedicated, Mr. Koch shifted from extreme sports to teaching, where he empowers students with confidence and curiosity. As a fourth and fifth-grade teacher in Newark, he inspires his students to embrace challenges and grow daily.
Kelby Milgrim

2024 CHAMPION
This passionate STEM director, who had nearly 30 years of experience in the school system, helped establish the Phoenix chapter of the Southwest National Robotic Challenge. He’ll always be remembered for his passion for innovation and creativity that set the bar sky-high.

“If you look behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher.”

— Stephen Hawking

Meet Our Finalists

Evelyn Downey

2026 SILVER APPLE AWARD WINNER

For Evelyn Downey, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a daily opportunity to make a difference. She is passionate about shaping the future for her students, encouraging growth, and helping them feel seen and supported.
Noelle Habashi

2026 BRONZE APPLE AWARD WINNER
Although she always wanted to teach, Noelle's interest in special education started after becoming a tutor in high school. Now, she teaches 1st and 2nd grade with care and purpose, helping students build confidence and feel proud of themselves.