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 2025 champion earned $25,000, a dream getaway to Hawaii, an assembly hosted by Bill Nye, and an appearance in Reader’s Digest.
DOLLARS RAISED SINCE 2024
$5,939,153
2025 Beneficiary
Empowering Exploration, Igniting Curiosity
Through the America’s Favorite Teacher competition, Colossal is proud to have raised over $3.1 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.
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.
2025 Champion
JONATHAN KOCH
Humble, passionate, and deeply dedicated, Jonathan followed a calling from extreme sports to education, where he now empowers students through confidence, wonder, and heart. As a second-grade teacher in Newark, NJ, he inspires students to embrace failure, stay curious, and become the best version of themselves.
As America’s Favorite Teacher, he’s using this moment to give back and fund a local snowboarding project for underprivileged youth.
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 2025 champion was honored with a special assembly led by the legend himself—an unforgettable experience that celebrated curiosity, science, and the powerful impact of great educators.
One of America’s most iconic magazines, Reader’s Digest is known for honoring everyday heroes and sharing stories that inspire. Look for the 2025 champion’s story celebrating his journey, his classroom impact, and the passion he brings to education every day.
2025 Silver Apple Award Winner
SOFIA MURILLO
The incredible Sofia wins second-place honors and a well-earned Colossal Gold Star. Since she was 19, Sofia has poured her heart into teaching, building bonds, leading with purpose, and inspiring every student to believe in themselves. She became a teacher to be what her own teachers were for her: proof that no dream is out of reach, no matter your background.
With her Silver Apple Award, Sofia plans to continue giving back—to her classroom, to fellow educators, and to the school community she holds dear.
“If you look behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher.”
— Stephen Hawking
2024 Champion
Kelby Milgrim
This dynamic Arizona educator schooled the competition to become the first-ever America’s Favorite Teacher. As founder of the Phoenix chapter of the Southwest National Robotic Challenge, he raised the bar on STEM education and inspired students to think big. Class dismissed—cheers to Mr. Milgrim for making learning an adventure!
