Wisconsin Honored Five Teachers of the Year
The state recognized excellence in education as local teachers addressed the Capitol.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction named five educators as Teachers of the Year. This annual recognition honors outstanding instructors, including two educators from the 13th Assembly District who participated in the ceremony.
Why it matters
Recognizing teachers highlights the vital role public education plays in local communities and family life. This annual ceremony serves to celebrate the dedication of those working within the state school system.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction awarded the Teacher of the Year honor to five individuals this year. These awards are part of a long-standing tradition that dates back 250 years to the founding of public education in the United States.
The players
Jonathan Etter
An English teacher at Wauwatosa East High School who delivered the 2026 Teacher of the Year address at the Capitol.
Allison Urban
A special education teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School who received the Teacher of the Year honor.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
The state agency responsible for overseeing public education and recognizing outstanding teaching performance.
The details
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction selects five recipients annually to celebrate their contributions to classrooms across the state. Honorees participated in the State of Education address held at the Capitol, which featured a speech by Jonathan Etter. This event provides a platform for educators to share their perspectives on the current state of public schooling with state officials.
Timeline
September 25, 2026, was the date of the State of Education address held at the Capitol.
The Home Front
The ceremony follows a 250-year history of public education in the United States, marking a continuity in the state's commitment to classroom excellence. This recognition underscores the ongoing investment in local school quality which serves as a foundation for family and community life.
Families can learn more about the contributions of their local educators by visiting school district websites or attending upcoming board meetings. Check your local school district calendar to see if any community celebrations are planned to honor these teachers in your area.
The takeaway
Recognizing teachers builds a stronger connection between schools and the families they serve. Parents can support local education by staying engaged with district newsletters and recognizing the hard work of educators throughout the school year.
Further reading
For more on how state initiatives impact local classrooms, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
