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Announcing the Finalists for 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is thrilled to unveil the finalists for the esteemed 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year. This annual recognition celebrates educators from across the United States who exemplify an unwavering commitment to enhancing family-school partnerships and fostering multigenerational learning approaches. Now in its 30th year, this award is a collaboration with Toyota, a company that has consistently championed educational initiatives.

Finalists from Across the Nation

This year's finalists include a diverse group of educators from six states, each nominated by their peers for their remarkable work in promoting family engagement:

1. Mary Cluley - Physical Education Teacher at Burkburnett Independent School District, Texas
2. Holly Daugherty - Youth Services Librarian at McCreary County Public Library, Kentucky
3. Heather Hall - STEM Teacher at Montview Elementary School, Alabama
4. Kristen Kardos - Health Teacher at Nowell Leadership Academy, Rhode Island
5. Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo - STEM Teacher at Pinewood Elementary, Florida
6. Richard Roe - Career Technical Education Teacher at Lincoln High School, Michigan

These educators were selected based on several criteria, including their passion for supporting family engagement and their innovative contributions to their educational programs.

Grant Opportunities for Empowering Educators

The selected recipient of the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award will receive a grant of $20,000 to amplify their ongoing efforts in family engagement. Additionally, a runner-up will be honored with a $5,000 grant. Both of these recipients will be celebrated during the Families Learning Conference, scheduled for November 8-11, 2026, in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.

Driving Innovation in Education

Colleen Casey, General Manager of Workforce Development at Toyota Motor North America, emphasizes the importance of innovative learning initiatives: "Programs that support teachers to introduce creative ideas into their educational environments are essential. Research shows a positive correlation between teacher autonomy and student success. We believe that when educators and parents collaborate, we can make learning accessible to all families."

Dr. Felicia C. Smith, President and CEO of the NCFL, echoes this sentiment, stating, "By recognizing outstanding educators who prioritize family engagement, the Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award highlights best practices that enhance educational outcomes for children. Our mission is to break the cycles of poverty through education solutions, and these educators are vital to that success."

The Impact of Family Engagement

Family engagement is crucial for student success, leading to increased graduation and attendance rates. When families feel connected in the educational process, they foster social networks and develop a greater understanding of their role in their child's learning journey. This partnership not only builds trust between educators and families but enables parents to view themselves as integral partners in their children’s education.

The Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award not only recognizes individual achievements but also reinforces effective strategies that contribute to the overall improvement of educational environments. Since the award's inception in 1997, winners and honorees have received a collective $755,000 in grants, empowering educators and enabling a myriad of innovative projects.

About the NCFL

The National Center for Families Learning has dedicated over 35 years to combating poverty through educational solutions that engage families. NCFL operates under the belief that education is a shared responsibility. Their vision aims to establish comprehensive family learning systems within 60 communities across the U.S. to uplift education and economic outcomes. To learn more, visit familieslearning.org.

About Toyota

Toyota has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of North America for nearly 70 years, aspiring to advance sustainable mobility through its brands, Toyota and Lexus. The company values education and empowers communities through its initiatives, connecting with families and stakeholders to create effective learning experiences. For further information about Toyota’s dedication to education, visit ToyotaNewsroom.com.