INDIANAPOLIS — Educators from across the state gathered in Indianapolis on Friday, October 2, for the fifth annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala. As part of this black-tie event, more than $210,000 was awarded to schools and educators across Indiana in recognition of their impactful work for students.
“Across our state, educators are leading with bold, student-centered strategies that strengthen learning from the earliest grades through high school and beyond,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Our Hoosier teachers empower students, support families, and help shape the future of our state. This night celebrates their extraordinary dedication to supporting student success each and every day.”
The gala brought together over 550 educators and guests from across Indiana. The event recognized dedicated educators and support professionals, as well as key partners whose work is expanding opportunities for students statewide, including Indiana’s recent Milken Educator Award recipient, History Teacher of the Year, and Blue Ribbon Schools.2026 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala awardees include:
“It is so important that we take time to celebrate the incredible educators and schools whose dedication fuels Indiana’s growing momentum,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “From advancing literacy and academic achievement to redesigning high school to better prepare students for what’s next, these successes are all possible because of the exceptional individuals committed to doing what’s best for students.”
Schools were awarded for excelling in key areas such as literacy (science of reading), STEM, high school innovation, community collaboration, and educator professional development.
2026 Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala awardees include:
Excellence in Community Collaboration Award – $20,000
Logansport Community School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that maximizes student support through intentional, strategic collaboration with local and/or state partners.
Digital Innovation and Leadership Award – $20,000
Richmond Community Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that demonstrates outstanding digital innovation and leadership by leveraging technology to implement data-driven strategies, expand career pathways, and improve student learning.
Excellence in Math Award – $20,000
Castle North Middle School, Warrick County School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has expanded access to high‑quality math instruction and strengthened students’ foundational math skills.
Excellence in STEM Award – $20,000
William Penn Middle School, Indianapolis Public Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has expanded access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities for all students.
Excellence in Literacy Award – $20,000
Caze Elementary, Evansville Community School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that has established strategies and partnerships to support all students in the mastery of foundational reading skills.
Excellence in College and Career Award – $20,000
Indian Creek High School and Creek Cattle Company, Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that excels in bringing real‑world learning to life, creating meaningful connections between classroom instruction and authentic experiences.
Enroll, Employ, Enlist Excellence Award – $20,000
Terre Haute South Vigo High School, Vigo County School Corporation
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that exemplifies Indiana’s vision for purposeful high school redesign by preparing students to successfully enroll in college, gain meaningful employment, and/or enlist in military service after graduation.
Excellence in Professional Learning and Leadership Development Award – $20,000
Wa-Nee Community Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that provides innovative support in growing teacher leaders.
Excellence in Innovation Award – $20,000
Eastern Hancock Community Schools and Microcollaborative
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that demonstrates innovative strategies to support families and students.
Operational Excellence Award – $20,000
New Albany Floyd County Schools
This award recognizes an individual school or corporation that demonstrates strong operational excellence through its consistent engagement, responsiveness, and collaboration.
Additionally, 19 outstanding educators and support professionals were awarded for the positive impact they continue to make for Indiana students.
2026 and 2027 Indiana Teacher of the Year Finalists – $500 each
Andrea Bornino, Tippecanoe County School Corporation
Martin Briggs, La Porte Community School Corporation
Kasey Brubaker, Union County College Corner Joint School District
Derek Chastain, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
Megan Cronkhite, Carmel Clay Schools
Matthew Farrell, Lebanon Community School Corporation
Craig Harper, Carmel Clay Schools
David Harvey, Huntington County Community Schools
L.A. High, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
Brianne Karazsia, Bloomfield School District
Cynthia LoGreco, Michigan City Area Schools
Amanda Ray, Franklin Community School Corporation
Amelia Shaw, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
Kristina Trusty, Noblesville Schools
Samantha Willsey, Bremen Public Schools
2026 and 2027 Indiana Teachers of the Year – $1,000 each Megan Johnson, Plainfield Community School Corporation
Jason Witzigreuter, Southwest Allen County Schools
Indiana’s 2026 RISE Award Honorees – $500 each
Josh Goodman, School Resource Officer, Linton-Stockton School Corporation
Brenda Sellers, Treasurer, New Palestine Schools
The following two awards are new additions in 2026. Although they do not carry a financial prize, they offer meaningful recognition for exemplary efforts that strengthen student success statewide.
Excellence in Bridging Academic Success and Service Award
Indiana National Guard
This award celebrates a partner that is creating new opportunities for students across the state through bold, innovative collaborations with local schools.
Industry Impact and Innovation Award
David Becker, Chairman and CEO of First Internet Bank
This award celebrates an Indiana employer that is transforming student opportunities across the state through creative, forward‑thinking partnerships with local schools.
This event is made possible through contributions from these generous sponsors: College Board, EdChoice, Five Star Technology Solutions, Indiana Association of School Principals, Project Lead the Way, The Mind Trust, Institute for Quality Education, 240 Tutoring, Barr Center, University of Indianapolis Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning, Central Indiana Educational Service Center, CSO Architects, Educational Destinations, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Indiana Charter Innovation Center, Ivy Tech Community College, Kappa Delta Pi, Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, Marian University, Public Consulting Group, Really Great Reading, Student First, and Tutored by Teachers.
