Herzog Foundation Recognizes 12 Educators at 2026 Excellence in Christian Education Awards
The Herzog Foundation hosted its fifth annual Excellence in Christian Education Awards on Sept. 26 at The Century Club in Kansas City, Missouri, recognizing 12 outstanding educators from across the country.
The Foundation also introduced two new award categories this year: Innovative Teacher of the Year and Math Teacher of the Year. Nine educators were honored as Innovative Teachers of the Year, while three were recognized as Math Teachers of the Year.
The Innovative Teacher of the Year award recognizes Christian school educators who demonstrate exceptional creativity, integrate innovative tools and strategies and enhance student engagement through forward-thinking instruction. The Math Teacher of the Year award honors Christian school mathematics educators who exemplify instructional excellence, subject-matter expertise and a strong commitment to building students’ mathematical understanding, confidence and problem-solving skills.
2026 Innovative Teachers of the Year
- Luisa Beesley (Cambridge Christian School – Tampa, Florida)
- Daniela Bergmann (Christian Fellowship School – Columbia, Missouri)
- Jennifer Brenner (Orange Lutheran High School – Orange, California)
- Nick Cason (Lions Learning Academy – Dacula, Georgia)
- Mandy Colwell (Strong Rock Christian School – Locust Grove, Georgia)
- April Ellis (Valley Christian School – Tempe, Arizona)
- Kenneth Okwuonu (Westbury Christian School – Houston, Texas)
- Heather Smith (Covenant Life School – Gaithersburg, Maryland)
- Allison Vazquez (Shiloh Christian Elementary School – Springdale, Arkansas)
2026 Math Teachers of the Year
- Geoffrey Lane (Grand View Christian School – Des Moines, Iowa)
- Justin Langley (Arma Dei Academy – Highlands Ranch, Colorado)
- Jan Tjomsland (The Ecclesial Schools Initiative – Oviedo, Florida)
“Each year, the Foundation continues to refine its award categories based on the strengths and needs we see across the Christian education landscape,” said Darrell Jones, president of the Herzog Foundation and emcee of the awards ceremony. “At a time when technology is increasingly replacing foundational problem-solving skills, we wanted to place a special emphasis on mathematics educators who are helping students develop critical thinking skills and pursue excellence.”
“This is the fifth year of the Excellence in Christian Education Awards, and we’ve seen the program grow into much more than a one-night celebration,” Jones said. “When we recognize outstanding teachers, we’re not just honoring their work; we’re amplifying their impact on students, schools and communities.”
The 12 honorees represent 10 states and showcase a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Some have devoted over three decades to Christian education, while others are emerging leaders near the beginning of their teaching careers. Each embodies a unique blend of creativity, expertise and passion that inspires both students and colleagues.
This distinguished group includes innovators who have transformed classrooms through creative teaching methods, thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence and hands-on learning experiences that help students connect their faith to real-world challenges. Many also serve as dedicated parents, mentors and leaders within their churches and communities. Together, they exemplify The Herzog Way—a standard of excellence shaping the next generation of Christian educators.
“One of our board’s earliest goals was to establish the Herzog Excellence Model—what we now call The Herzog Way. We wanted to highlight schools, teachers and organizations that exemplify the very best of Christian education,” said Vice-Chairman of the Board John Elliott.
“Looking around this room tonight, I can say with confidence that we have accomplished that goal. Each of the 2026 Christian Teachers of the Year is now part of The Herzog Way. They are raising the bar for Christian education nationwide, and we are deeply grateful for the sacrifices they make and the excellence they bring to their calling.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Christian Education Awards recipients, click here.
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 culture flourish.
Learn more at HerzogFoundation.com.