Two New York Teachers Recognized as 2026 Extraordinary Educators for Innovative Teaching in Classrooms
Recognizing Extraordinary Educators in New York
On August 7, 2026, Curriculum Associates proudly announced Trisha Daningburg from Campbell Savona Jr/Sr High School and Megan Tennant from Holy Family School in the Diocese of Rockville Centre as two of the 2026 Extraordinary Educators. This recognition highlights their exceptional dedication to classroom innovation and student achievement, placing them among a distinguished group of educators nationwide.
The Extraordinary Educators program is a prestigious initiative aimed at honoring teachers from grades K-8 who embody instructional excellence. Daningburg and Tennant were selected from a remarkable pool of over 170 educators across the United States, showcasing consistent, effective use of i-Ready tools to enhance learning. Out of this competitive field, only 26 educators were chosen, emphasizing the honor of their selection.
Commitment to Student Growth
Both honorees have demonstrated a vigorous commitment to fostering a positive learning environment while utilizing data-driven insights to enhance student engagement. Daningburg expressed her gratitude, stating, “Being named an Extraordinary Educator is an absolute honor. To be part of an esteemed group and to have the opportunity to network with other educators across the nation is invaluable.” She intends to leverage this recognition to bring new experiences and resources back to her community, highlighting her belief in the importance of lifelong learning.
Similarly, Tennant shared her surprise and gratitude, emphasizing how this recognition served as validation for her efforts as both a teacher and curriculum lead. She reflected, “Teachers give so much of themselves, and getting this kind of 'thank you' is an experience I wish every one of my colleagues could have.” This sentiment illustrates the emotional impact of recognition, fostering a sense of community and accomplishment among educators.
Yearlong Professional Development
The Extraordinary Educators program provides selected teachers with a yearlong national network for professional development. The initiative includes opportunities for leadership training and collaboration with educational leaders and fellow teachers across the country, further amplifying their impact in their classrooms. Additionally, the honorees participate in the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit where insights and experiences are shared to inspire and empower fellow educators.
Kelly Sia, the CEO of Curriculum Associates, praised the honorees, noting, “Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success.” Sia's comments reflect the organization's mission to support educators who are leading impactful teaching practices.
A Reflection of Diversity in Education
The 2026 cohort includes educators from various roles within the teaching community, spanning classroom instruction to student support and enrichment. The selection process was thorough and involved a detailed review conducted by Curriculum Associates' staff along with an advisory panel, ensuring diversity and fairness in recognition.
To learn more about the Extraordinary Educators initiative and to explore the full list of this year’s honorees, visit the Curriculum Associates website. The initiative not only recognizes individual achievement but also underscores the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of education for over 17 million students and one million educators across the nation.
Curriculum Associates continues to revolutionize education through tools like i-Ready, integrating adaptive assessments with personalized instruction and essential curriculum in English language arts and mathematics. This commitment to innovation aims to address the needs of students and educators alike, reaffirming their dedication to excellence in education.