Herzog Foundation Announces 2026 Christian Teachers of the Year

The Herzog Foundation is proud to recognize the following educators as the 2026 Christian Teachers of the Year. This year’s awards, announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, feature special recognition for excellence in mathematics education alongside the Foundation’s Innovative Teacher of the Year honors: 

Luisa Beesley
Cambridge Christian School
Tampa, Florida
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year

Daniela Bergmann
Christian Fellowship School
Columbia, Missouri
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Brenner
Orange Lutheran High School
Orange, California
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year
Nick Cason
Lions Learning Academy
Dacula, Georgia
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year

Mandy Colwell
Strong Rock Christian School
Locust Grove, Georgia
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year
April Ellis
Valley Christian School
Tempe, Arizona
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year
Geoffrey Lane
Grand View Christian School
Des Moines, Iowa
2026 Math Teacher of the Year
Justin Langley
Arma Dei Academy
Tampa, Florida
2026 Math Teacher of the Year
Kenneth Okwuonu
Westbury Christian School
Houston, Texas
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year
Heather Smith
Covenant Life School
Gaithersburg, Maryland
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year
Jan Tjomsland
The Ecclesial Schools Initiative
Oviedo, Florida
2026 Math Teacher of the Year

Allison Vazquez
Shiloh Christian Elementary School
Springdale, Arkansas
2026 Innovative Teacher of the Year

“Each year, the Foundation continues to refine its award categories based on the strengths and needs we see across the Christian education landscape,” said Herzog Foundation President Darrell Jones. “This year, we placed a special emphasis on mathematics education, recognizing three Math Teachers of the Year in addition to nine Innovative Teachers of the Year. At a time when technology is increasingly replacing foundational problem-solving skills, these educators are challenging trends and helping students pursue excellence.”

The 2026 Teachers of the Year will be invited to Kansas City this fall for a special weekend of professional development and public recognition celebrating their contributions to Christian education. The Herzog Foundation will share more details about the event and each teacher’s accomplishments in the months ahead.

About the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation  

The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation is a charitable foundation dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and cultures flourish.  

Learn more at HerzogFoundation.com.