Dept. of Public Instruction: State Superintendent Dr. Underly surprises five educators as 2026-27 Teachers of the Year 

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced five educators selected as 2026-27 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. Over the past week, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly traveled across Wisconsin to surprise each honoree during school celebrations alongside students, colleagues, families, and members of their school communities. 

“Among more than 60,000 educators across Wisconsin, these five individuals stand out for the extraordinary impact they make in their schools and communities every day,” Dr. Underly said. “Their compassion for education and commitment to helping every student succeed are truly inspiring. They go above and beyond in their roles, not only as compassionate teachers to their students, but also as mentors to their colleagues, leaders within their schools, and changemakers within their communities. It was an honor to celebrate each of them alongside those they have impacted. I am incredibly proud to recognize them as our 2026-27 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year.” 

Each year, the Teacher of the Year Program, a partnership between the DPI and Herb Kohl Philanthropies, selects five educators representing elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and special services. The 2026-27 Teachers of the Year are: 

• Jonathan Etter, English teacher at Wauwatosa East High School (Wauwatosa School District): Etter has taught at Wauwatosa East High School for the past 19 years. He has been instrumental in expanding access to advanced academic opportunities and dual enrollment programming, helping to create new pathways for student success. 

• Kristen Scott, fourth grade teacher at Nuestro Mundo Community School (Madison Metropolitan School District): Scott has more than 30 years of teaching experience. She is a previous recipient of both the Bilingual Education Teacher of the Year Award and the GSAFE Educator of the Year Award, reflecting her dedication to bilingual education and inclusive communities.  

• Tonya Lassanske, counselor at Sauk Prairie High School (Sauk Prairie School District): Lassanske has worked at Sauk Prairie High School for nearly three decades as counselor, registrar, and student services lead. An advocate of the whole child, she has played a critical role in bridging the gap between mental health and academic achievement by implementing alternative graduation pathways and universal mental health screening.  

• Devon Calvert, art teacher at Harmony Elementary School and Consolidated Elementary School (School District of Milton): Calvert blends art history and contemporary artists to inspire creativity in his K-3 students. He played a key role in Harmony Elementary being selected as one of the first schools in the nation to pilot the National Elementary Art Honor Society.  

• Allison Urban, eighth grade special education teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School (School District of Elmbrook): Urban is committed to creating accessible, engaging instruction that empowers every student to succeed and build confidence. She is a respected leader in her school, regularly co-teaching with colleagues to ensure they learn skills to successfully support all students.   

Photos from each surprise ceremony can be found on Dr. Underly’s official Facebook page. As part of their recognition, each Teacher of the Year will receive a $3,000 award from Herb Kohl Philanthropies. One of the five educators will also be selected through an interview process to represent Wisconsin in the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Program. More information on the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Program can be found on the DPI’s website.