News Release
The State Board of Education of Ohio is pleased to announce the eleven 2027 State Board District Teachers of the Year. This cohort of recognized teachers will serve as ambassadors for public education and the teaching profession in Ohio. The next steps allow four of the eleven to move to the final selection phase for the 2027 Ohio Teacher of the Year who will represent Ohio teachers statewide and nationally during the 2026 – 2027 school year.
Since its inception in 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom. The program’s mission is to provide opportunities for professional learning and networking to exemplary teachers as leaders and advocates for public education.
Selected teachers move through two levels of recognition: (1) the State Board District Teacher of the Year as a regional recognition and (2) the Ohio Teacher of the Year as the state-level recognition.
Congratulations to the eleven recognized teachers, including Rebecca Minton from the Adams County Ohio Valley School District.
• Kasey Church, Napoleon Area City Schools, Junior and Senior High Special Education, State Board District 1 Teacher of the Year
• Melissa Kowalski, Put-in-Bay Local Schools, Junior and Senior High Science, State Board District 2 Teacher of the Year
• Sarah Walters, Troy City Schools, Literacy Instructional Support Specialist, State Board District 3 Teacher of the Year
• Aaron Parker, Cincinnati Public Schools, High School Agribusiness and Production, State Board District 4 Teacher of the Year
• Rebecca Minton, Adams County Ohio Valley School District, High School Agriculture Education, State Board District 5 Teacher of the Year
• Taya Kidd, Reynoldsburg City School District, Second Grade, State Board District 6 Teacher of the Year
• Tom Hering, Delaware City Schools, High School English, State Board District 7 Teacher of the Year
• Elizabeth Barkan, Fairless Local Schools, Middle and High School Band, State Board District 8 Teacher of the Year
• Ralena Bevington, Canton City School District, Intermediate through High School Orchestra and Music, State Board District 9 Teacher of the Year
• Rachel Johnson, Akron Public Schools, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, State Board District 10 Teacher of the Year
• Angela Bowman, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Elementary Intervention Specialist, State Board District 11 Teacher of the Year
“I’m really honored and thankful,” said Monton. “We have awesome students and community, both are really invested in our program; that makes teaching a whole lot easier. I’d put our kids up against any students in the state because they’re willing to work hard and take pride in what they do. This award may have one person’s name on it, but it’s really a community award. It reflects our students, our families, our school, and everyone who supports what we’re doing. I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
Peebles High School principal Ty Stephens was glowingin his praiseo f Minton and her work.
“As the principal of Peebles High School, I couldn’t be more proud of Becky Minton for being selected as the 2027 State Board District 5 Teacher of the Year,” saod Stephens. “This recognition is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and excellence she brings to our students and school every single day.Becky is much more than an outstanding agriculture teacher. She is a mentor, leader, and role model who invests countless hours helping students discover their potential both inside and outside the classroom. Through agricultural education and FFA, she provides experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life while instilling the values of hard work, responsibility, and service.”
“What sets Becky apart is the genuine relationships she builds with her students,” Stephens continued. “She believes in them, challenges them to reach higher, and celebrates their successes as if they were her own. Her classroom is a place where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to become the best version of themselves. At Peebles High School, we are fortunate to have educators who are committed to making a difference, and Becky is a shining example of that commitment. She represents everything that is great about public education and our community. We are incredibly proud of her and congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”
”A candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year (OTOY) is eligible to apply if they hold a valid Ohio Professional Teaching License; are currently completing their tenth year or more of teaching grades PreK–12; and are employed full-time (working a minimum of 120 days) in a state-approved public school, community school, or career-technical center. Candidates also must work directly with students at least 50 percent of the time, have received no previous Ohio Teacher of the Year recognition, and plan to continue in active teaching status.
The Ohio Teacher of the Year candidate has the respect and admiration of their colleagues and:
- 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; and
- Expresses themselves in an engaging and clear way.