If we had to choose one thing that we are most grateful for at ’hood, it would be the people that help us raise our kids: our teachers, educators, and childcare providers. Most parents learned how imperative these heroes are when we went through the beginning of the pandemic when schools and daycares closed. It is something we’ve known all along, and why we’re on our 10th year of celebrating educators through our Educator of the Year award. 

We’ve had hundreds of nominations come in throughout the years. The stories from you, our parent readers, about one special person’s impact on your child and family’s life are always inspirational to read. It’s not just the great teachers but also the school bus drivers, counselors, lunchroom staff, principals, assistants, and anyone interacting with our children during the school day. We are thankful to be a part of helping celebrate and honor them. 

This year, ’hood added a new category: Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year. While our Educator of the Year focuses on JK-6th grade, this new category celebrates those caring for our littles and early learners. These caregivers and teachers get to deal with not only the chaos that comes with kids but diaper changes and using scissors for the first time. We see you, and we thank you. 

Teacher of the Year Outstanding Nominees

Meet some of our other outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees! Read More » 

Teacher of the Year: Other Outstanding Nominees

A big congrats to all of our 2016 Teacher of the Year nominations! Read More » 

Teacher of the Year: Other Outstanding Nominees

2017 Teacher of the Year Nominees Read More » 

2021 Hood Magazine's Educator of the Year Nominees

2021 Educator of the Year Nominees Read More » 

Outstanding Nominees

More outstanding teachers! Read More » 

2022 Educator of the Year Nominees

View our complete list of Educator of the Year nominees and their amazing nominations. Read More »