McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Iowa Department Of Education
Stephanie Pritts, an elementary teacher and instructional coach with the Sheldon Community School District, has been named the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow during a surprise assembly at Sheldon High School.
Governor Reynolds highlighted Pritts' influence both in and outside the classroom. “Stephanie Pritts is the kind of teacher whose impact extends well beyond the walls of the classroom, and she shares her expertise with educators in the district,” Reynolds said. “Her desire to help every student succeed shows what’s possible when teaching techniques draw on proven practices grounded in evidence-based approaches, while also emphasizing tailored interventions for students who are struggling. This is what teaching looks like at its very best, and I was excited to present this award to Stephanie in the presence of her students and colleagues.”
The Iowa Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their field and made significant contributions to student outcomes as well as to their peers.
Director Snow praised Pritts' approach to education: “Iowa is delivering remarkable results for students because of outstanding educators, like Stephanie, who accelerate student achievement through evidence-based instruction, support their colleagues in doing their best work, and reinforce learning through strong partnerships with families,” Snow said. “Stephanie leads a strong instructional support system to meet the unique needs of each learner, and she does so with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to her students, fellow educators, and community.”
Pritts was chosen from nine finalists representing all regions across Iowa. She also serves as Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year.
In accepting the honor, Pritts emphasized relationship-building: “I believe that to engage students, teachers must have strong relationships, because great teaching and learning is built on the foundation of mutual trust,” she said. “It is also important to challenge our students to engage in authentic learning and higher-order thinking, because we as educators are always working to prepare them for success.”
Pritts works closely with families by hosting literacy nights aimed at supporting home learning. She organized a literacy conference for her district focused on Science of Reading principles and supports implementation of high-quality instructional materials alongside multi-tiered systems designed for student support.
“One of the fun and exciting parts of my leadership role as a PK-12 instructional coach is that it allows me to have an eagle-eye view of our teaching so that we can implement district-wide initiatives based on data and student needs,” Pritts said. “I’m incredibly proud—and grateful—to work alongside such wonderful teachers and administrators who care so deeply for students, strive for excellence and put in the necessary work and learning to do what’s best for our students.”
She also leads efforts around new teacher mentorships within her district as well as facilitates a leadership team focused on supporting all learners.
Other finalists included Allison Pargeon (Montezuma Community School District), Marissa Moore (Clear Creek-Amana Community School District), Tony Onesto (Burlington Community School District), Kelly Myers (Homegrown Christian Learning Center), Gregory Barord (Des Moines Public Schools), Jen Ries (Maquoketa Valley Community School District), Dawn Rheingans (North Scott Community School District), and Kristi Mentink (Harris-Lake Park Community School District).
The Teacher of the Year program began in 1958. It honors Iowa teachers who use evidence-based instruction strategies while preparing students for future opportunities after graduation. The annual program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through legislative funding.
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