Wisconsin Honored Five Teachers of the Year

The state recognized top educators during the annual State of Education address held at the Capitol.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized brass apple sculpture resting on a wooden desk, evoking excellence in education. — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction honored five educators as Teachers of the Year during the annual State of Education address in Madison. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction celebrated five outstanding educators with the Teacher of the Year award. The recognition took place during the State of Education address in Madison.

Why it matters

The annual recognition highlights the state's commitment to quality instruction and public education. It serves to honor those who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom throughout the academic year.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction selects 5 teachers for the annual honor. This program recognizes excellence across the state as public education marks a 250-year legacy.

The players

Jonathan Etter

He is an English teacher at Wauwatosa East High School who delivered the address.

Allison Urban

She is a special education teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School who received the honor.

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

This is the state agency responsible for the oversight of public schools and the annual teacher award program.

The details

The ceremony, which spotlighted the contributions of dedicated staff, featured a keynote address from Jonathan Etter. The event brought together educators from various districts to commemorate the importance of teaching in Wisconsin schools.

September 25, 2026: The State of Education address took place at the Capitol.

Culture Shift

This event follows a pattern set by the long-standing tradition of supporting the 250-year history of public education in the United States. Recognizing individual teachers remains a central strategy for maintaining public engagement with the school system.

Recognizing teachers from districts like Wauwatosa and Elmbrook highlights the high standard of instruction available to local families. Residents can follow these educators' ongoing work to see how their teaching methods influence classroom quality in their communities.

The takeaway

Celebrating exemplary educators reinforces the value placed on teaching quality within the state school system. These annual awards encourage continued professional growth and dedication among staff in secondary classrooms.