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Teacher of the Year

Nomination Period is NOW OPEN!

The Alaska Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program is an excellent way to acknowledge the expertise, skills, accomplishments, and professionalism of teachers within your school. Submit your nominations using the Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Form. The nomination period is open on November 1, 2024 and closes January 31, 2025. Any interested Alaska citizen may make nominations for the Alaska Teacher of the Year. The 2024-2025 school year winning candidate will serve as the 2026 Alaska Teacher of the Year!

Nominees should:

  • Have five (5) or more years experience in the field of education.
  • Be a classroom teacher during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.
  • Currently holds an Alaska Teaching License

Please see the Nomination Form for other guiding principles.

The selected individual will serve as the Alaska State Teacher of the Year for the 2026 calendar year.  Thank you for nominating an educator!

 

Kelly Rentz - 2025 Teacher of the Year

Kelly Rentz, of Colony High School in Palmer, has been named the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year.

During the open nomination period, Kelly received nominations from students who are thrilled to be in her classes. Her dedication to her students and school community was evident in the evaluation process and has been apparent throughout her career.

Kelly has been a choir teacher since earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a vocal emphasis in 1989. She has served as a music teacher, music specialist, and choir director in the Anchorage School District and Matanuska Borough School District. She has taught music for elementary and high school grades, produced the highest percentage of students selected for Alaska’s All-State Choir of any choir program in the state each year since 2020, co-hosted the Mat-Su District Honor Festival since 2019, and has taught AP Music Theory since 2019. She is currently the Director of Choirs at Colony High, a position she has held since 2018.

Her professional summary states, “Compassionate teaching professional, creating a culture of respect, integrity, and excellence through education in the fine arts. Community leader inspiring others to make good art for great causes.”

“Congratulations to Ms. Rentz for this great accomplishment,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Great teachers motivate their students and create a learning environment students look forward to coming to. It’s clear that Ms. Rentz’s students look forward to learning from her.”

“Kelly's dedication to educational excellence serves as an inspiration to our students, staff, and community," DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop said. "There is no higher praise than to be nominated by your students, and it is with great pride that we honor her as the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year.”

Colony High School Principal Kristy Johnson remarked, “One of the most remarkable aspects of Kelly's teaching is her ability to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each individual student receives personalized attention and guidance, thereby unlocking their full potential. Her unwavering belief in the abilities of her students empowers them to strive for excellence and achieve remarkable success both academically and artistically.”

As Alaska’s Teacher of the Year, Kelly will participate in programming offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers with other state Teachers of the Year. Kelly will also be Alaska's candidate for the National Teacher of the Year.

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Recent Teachers of the Year

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About the National Teacher of the Year Program

The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The NTOY is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing the major national education organizations. Each April, the NTOY is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States.

Participation in the NTOY Program is available through the State Teacher of the Year Program. Each year the 50 states, five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity name a state teacher of the year.

During the official year of recognition, the NTOY Program is released from classroom duties to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. The teacher's home state and district ensure the teacher's salary and benefits. All scheduling and logistical arrangements for the National Teacher are coordinated through the NTOY Program. National Teachers average over 150 events each year before audiences ranging from several hundred to over ten thousand. Television, radio, and the print media readily utilize National Teachers to represent the voice of education. The National Teacher may be called upon to represent American educators to audiences in other nations. National Teachers are frequently requested to sit on national and state commissions and policy advising bodies.

Criteria for Selection of State Teacher of the Year

A candidate for Teacher of the Year:

  • 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.
  • Expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
  • Has five (5) or more years experience in the field of education.