America's Favorite Teacher Crowns New Champion, Supports The Planetary Society
Every one of us can name a teacher who changed our life. Maybe they stayed after school to explain a difficult lesson. Maybe they encouraged you to chase a dream you didn't think was possible. Or maybe they simply made you feel seen. And, that's what America's Favorite Teacher is all about—celebrating the educators who shape futures every single day.
This year's competition brought together thousands of inspiring teachers from across the country, each supported by the communities whose lives they've touched. After months of friendly competition, one exceptional educator rose to the top.
Congratulations to Ivy Miller, a fourth-grade teacher from Tennessee, who was named America's Favorite Teacher 2026.
A Prize Worth Celebrating
As this year's champion, Ivy will receive:
$25,000
A feature in Reader's Digest
A dream trip to Hawaii
A special school assembly hosted by Bill Nye
These prizes recognize Ivy's dedication to her students while shining a national spotlight on the incredible work educators do every day.
A Competition That Gives Back
While America's Favorite Teacher celebrates outstanding educators, it's also about creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
Together, during this year’s competition participants and their supporters helped generate more than $2.4 million to support The Planetary Society, the world's largest independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing space science and exploration.
Founded by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman, The Planetary Society champions scientific discovery through education, advocacy, and innovation. From supporting groundbreaking space missions to inspiring future scientists and engineers, the organization believes curiosity has the power to change the world.
The partnership is a natural fit.
Teachers ignite curiosity every day. The Planetary Society helps that curiosity reach beyond the classroom and into the future of science and exploration.
Every Teacher Makes a Difference
One of the most inspiring parts of America's Favorite Teacher is seeing the incredible stories behind the classrooms.
Participants represented schools and communities across the country. Some were just beginning their careers, while others had spent decades helping generations of students discover their potential.
Although only one teacher earned the title, every participant reminded us that great educators don't simply teach lessons—they build confidence, encourage creativity, and inspire lifelong learning.
Congratulations to Ivy Miller and to every educator who participated this year. Your passion reaches far beyond the classroom, and together you've helped inspire the next generation while supporting discoveries that will shape tomorrow.
Learn more about America's Favorite Teacher and its partnership with The Planetary Society at https://americasfavteacher.org/.
To learn more about Colossal and our fundraising competition platform, visit https://colossal.org/.
