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STEM/Finance
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Five Educators Selected as 2026 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year

her classroom, over 25 years. As a key member of the school’s
believing that school leadership team, she is credited for developing
is the foundation for school-wide instructional strategies that focus
accessing opportu- on enhancing academic and social emotional
nity and fostering practices in the classroom. Her dedication to
equality. She finds creating and maintaining meaningful relation-
the strengths in each ships with students and families has impacted
individual student the lives of so many.
and through com- Toni puts her students first and ensures
munity and engaging lessons, she prioritizes their their success by turning their strengths into the
The Wisconsin Department of Public apart - not just as a teacher, but as a truly own growth and ensure that kids know every guiding posts for their learning.
Instruction, in partnership with The Herb Kohl remarkable person. door is open to any opportunity. She is a creative educator, who has spent her
Educational Foundation, is proud to announce What an amazing achievement for Mark, She also takes the time to get her students career fostering a safe learning environment for
the five educators selected as 2026 Wisconsin Stephanie, and the entire Acherman family. excited about library visits, encouraging them to her students who are taking on the challenge of
Teachers of the Year. These exceptional edu- Your school community is bursting with pride! pick out what they want to read and make recom- learning a second language. With her encourage-
cators were surprised with the news during Please join us in congratulating Mr. mendations based on what connects with them. ment and fierce passion for growth and learning,
surprise ceremonies at their schools, where Acherman on this well-deserved recognition! Allowing students to express their passions, kids in her classroom are consistently making big
they were joined by students, colleagues, — Darlington Community School District! inspires and encourages other students to pick strides as students and people. — WI DPI
family, and friends. up reading and helps them improve their writing
As part of their recognition, each Teacher skills. The entire student body was gathered
of the Year will receive a $3,000 award from Megan’s warmth and dedication to her stu- in the gym, expecting a regularly scheduled
the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. One of darlington.k12.wi.us dents (known as her “Dream Team”) are clearly assembly, when the surprise announcement
the five educators will also be selected through an intentional way to connect with kids and was made as the teacher’s family waited
an interview process to represent Wisconsin in foster the next generation of smart, engaged, and behind the scenes.
the Council of Chief State School Officers’ curious children. Thank you, Megan! — WI DPI Fink’s students shared their thoughts
National Teacher of the Year Program. Joel Coyne We are thrilled to announce that Megan about why Fink was selected. “She always
helps all of her students when they need it.
The 2026 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year are: Meet 2026 Dixon has been named a Wisconsin Teacher of She creates a warm, loving classroom, and she
Wisconsin Teacher the Year! always cares,” Olive Medina said. Milwaukee
Mark Acherman of the Year, Joel Megan has dedicated the past 13 of her 26 Spanish Immersion students watch the sur-
Meet 2026 Coyne from Sun years in education to teaching second grade at prise award ceremony.
Wisconsin Teacher Prairie Schools! Glenwood Elementary School in the School Dis- Carter Lopez echoed the sentiment.
of the Year, Mark Joel’s busi- trict of Greenfield. Her tireless efforts to inspire, “From the beginning of the school year to
Acherman, from ness acumen comes advocate, and empower both students and edu- the end, she works hard with every student to
the Darlington in handy teach- cators have made a profound impact on our make sure they improve in their own ways.”
Community School ing his students in community. The principal made it clear that Fink is
District! his Business and Marketing classes where they Megan’s leadership extends beyond the special: “Relationship building is so impor-
Acherman has get hands-on experience working with partners classroom, as she actively serves in various roles tant, and that’s something that I see she does
taught in Darling- ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 compa- within our district, community, and at the state every day, and that’s why her kids love her so
ton since 1994 and is known for his hands-on nies. level. Her commitment to excellence and passion much. They come back year after year because
approach to science education, incorporating But the biggest takeaway wasn’t the ins- for education are truly commendable. she touches each of their lives. She gets to
field trips, guest speakers, and community and-outs of his business strategy, but the kind and Megan is an exceptional teacher with a know them more than just as students, but as
partnerships. He also coaches youth and school caring culture Joel has cultivated by empowering superpower of finding a special thing about every actual children and as adults, and I think that
sports, advises STEM clubs, and helped found his students to take their knowledge and apply student in her class and using that to enhance is her magic.” — Milwaukee Public Schools
the Jim Huston Nature Trail — an outdoor it to what they’re most passionate about. He’s a their learning.
classroom that connects students and the com- mentor, a cheerleader, and an incredible support Join us in celebrating Megan Dixon’s
munity to nature and science. system for kids branching out into something outstanding achievements and contributions! —
Mark’s infectious energy for science, new. Congratulations, Joel! – WI DPI School District of Greenfield mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us
nature, and his students makes him an invalu- “I’m truly honored to be working with some
able member of the Darlington community. of the best people around the state. People that
He inspires his students to engage with our big can take an idea, a dream, and make it a reality,”
beautiful world and encourages them to find said Coyne. “I’m appreciative of the community greenfield.k12.wi.us Lisa Van Hefty
their passions. that has continued to support work like this. Work
He is a lifelong learner who loves sharing that makes a difference in people’s lives, and that Lisa van
his knowledge and creativity with students will be things that will be able to be carried on.” Hefty, Elementary
and colleagues. Thank you for all you do, — courtesy of WKOW Toni Fink Special Education
Mark! — WI DPI Meet 2026 Teacher from the
School District of
We are beyond proud to celebrate an Wisconsin Teacher Mishicot has been
extraordinary milestone — Mark has been of the Year, Toni named a 2026 Wis-
named a 2026 Wisconsin State Teacher of the sunprairieschools.org Fink from Mil- consin Teacher of
Year, one of only five educators selected across waukee Public the Year!
the entire state! Schools! Van Hefty has dedicated the past 27 years
This incredible honor is a reflection not Fink has to serving as a special education teacher at
just of Mark’s passion for education, but of Megan Dixon been a classroom O.H. Schultz Elementary School in the School
the heart, dedication, and compassion he Megan Dixon, 2nd Grade Teacher from the teacher in second District of Mishicot. Throughout her career,
brings into his classroom every single day. His School District of Greenfield has been named a and fifth grades at Milwaukee Spanish Immer-
unwavering commitment to making a differ- 2026 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year! sion School in Milwaukee Public Schools for
ence in the lives of students is what sets him Megan brings a powerful philosophy into Continued on Page 22