#United States #San Antonio #NCFL #Toyota Family #Family Education

Nominations Open for the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and Toyota Motor North America are excited to announce that they are now accepting nominations for the prestigious 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award. This annual award, which has been celebrating outstanding educators since 1997, highlights the vital role teachers play in fostering learning environments that benefit both students and their families.

Recognizing Educators Making a Difference

The Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award honors those educators who are committed to enhancing family learning through innovative approaches. Their work often goes beyond traditional teaching methods, embracing a multigenerational strategy that involves families in the educational process. By recognizing these teachers, NCFL and Toyota aim to shine a light on the unsung heroes in communities across the United States.

From now until March 16, 2026, individuals are encouraged to submit nominations for educators who have demonstrated exceptional skill in engaging families and promoting learning. Nominators can be anyone who knows the educator’s work, including colleagues, adult learners, and administration members. The chosen recipient will receive $20,000 to support ongoing family learning initiatives, while the runner-up will be awarded $5,000, both of which will enhance educational opportunities in their respective schools and communities.

The Impact of Family Learning

For three decades, the award has underlined the importance of engaging families in education, driving home the idea that collaboration between schools and families leads to better outcomes for children. The recipient of the 2026 award will be honored on November 10, 2026, during the NCFL's annual Families Learning Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award has resulted in significant funding for innovative projects across the country. To date, winners and their programs have received a total of $755,000, impacting 59 teacher-led projects aiming to improve family literacy and engagement. These extraordinary contributions have created environments in which families can learn and grow together.

Eligibility and Criteria

To be eligible for this award, nominees must be educators who:

• - Work within a school or community-based program in the United States that focuses on family engagement in learning.
• - Have a proven track record of successfully involving families in educational experiences.
• - Show passion for and persistence in supporting family engagement.
• - Implement creative strategies and innovative ideas to enhance family involvement in the classroom and beyond.
• - Serve communities facing high literacy and socioeconomic challenges.

About NCFL

The National Center for Families Learning has been at the forefront of creating educational solutions for families for over 35 years. As a nonprofit organization, NCFL believes that education should be a collective responsibility, advocating for partnerships among families, schools, and community members. Their mission is to build infrastructure that supports family learning and ultimately improves educational and economic outcomes. For more details about the NCFL initiatives or to participate as a Family Learning Community partner, visit familieslearning.org.

The nomination period is active, and educators across the country are encouraged to be recognized for their dedication and hard work in nurturing families and children alike. Together, we can celebrate those who are making strides in family learning and literacy.