INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Education today announced the top 10 finalists for the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year.
“Nearly everyone can remember their favorite teacher – the person who taught them, encouraged them, and inspired them to achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Indiana is home to exceptional teachers across the state, and this year’s top 10 Teacher of the Year finalists are especially impressive. Our teachers’ work matters today and will continue to impact students throughout their entire lives.”
The 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year finalists are:
- Kathleen Avery, South Bend Community School Corporation
- Amanda Beck, Tippecanoe School Corporation
- Jason Beer, Southwest Allen County Schools
- Tara Cocanower, Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District
- Joshua DeBard, Lebanon Community School Corporation
- Amanda Fox, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
- Helen Hearon, Mill Creek Community Schools
- Kelly Hine, Zionsville Community Schools
- Courtney Ramos, MSD of Wayne Township
- Karisa Schwanekamp, Plainfield Community School Corporation
For over 60 years, the Indiana Teacher of the Year program has recognized outstanding teachers across the state who are making a difference for Hoosier students. With the mission of inspiring, rejuvenating, and celebrating the teaching profession, the program encourages schools to nominate their local Teachers of the Year for this statewide honor. Finalists are selected from these applicants by a committee made up of former Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff, educational organization leaders, business and community leaders, and representatives from higher education.
The Indiana Teacher of the Year, who will be announced later this fall, will work to help elevate the teaching profession in Indiana, as well as represent Hoosier teachers at the national level. More information about the Indiana Teacher of the Year program is available here.
