McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Iowa Department Of Education
Nine teachers from across Iowa have been named as the 2026 Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year by the Iowa Department of Education. The award recognizes educators from each of the state’s nine education regions for their instructional practices and contributions to K-12 education.
The recipients are Allison Pargeon, Marissa Moore, Tony Onesto, Kelly Myers, Gregory Barord, Jennifer Ries, Dawn Rheingans, Stephanie Pritts and Kristi Mentink.
“We are proud to recognize nine outstanding educators from all corners of the state in our second-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year designation," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Like their colleagues across Iowa, these exceptional teachers partner with families to provide all learners with what they need to meet high expectations and realize their incredible potential. The Department, alongside each school community and education region, thanks and congratulates Iowa’s 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year for their expertise, dedication and care, putting students at the center of all they do.”
Nominations for the award were submitted by educators, administrators, students, families and other stakeholders. The selection process involved collaboration with teachers and education leaders throughout Iowa. The chosen teachers represent a range of schools and subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, World Languages and Fine Arts. Each teacher will now be considered as a finalist for the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year award.
The Teacher of the Year program was established in 1958 to honor an educator who advances student learning through evidence-based instruction and works in partnership with families to serve students. Last year’s recipient was Melanie Bloom from Sioux Central Community School District.
More information about this year’s regional honorees is available on the Iowa Department of Education website. Headshots can be found in the Department’s Flickr gallery.
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