Over 200 schools across the country are part of Spring Education Group, and the heartbeat of our schools—the ones guiding over 40,000 students each day—is our teachers. Our teachers are talented educators who bring their passion for learning to school with them every day. Whether that’s instilling a lifelong love of learning in our youngest students, or preparing high schoolers for college, careers, and beyond, these exceptional educators are living our vision of elevating and expanding the standard of educational excellence across America.

This year we are excited to recognize teachers from across our network with the annual Teacher of the Year awards where we honor educational excellence in teaching and student impact.

Early Childhood (Infant/Toddler) Teacher of the Year

Candace Stanley, Xplor Preschool Parkwood

The youngest students in any school can’t yet say what they need. Candace Stanley figures it out anyway. Nominations highlighted something that anyone who works in early childhood knows is rare: Stanley is steady. Families described her as someone who encourages every child with genuine care—and who shows up with the brightest smile, even on the hard days. That consistency matters most in the infant and toddler years, when routine and trust are the foundation of everything that follows.

Learn more about Xplor Preschool.

Early Childhood (Beginners (2-3 years old) through Pre-K) Teacher of the Year

Kristeen Shallenberger, Merryhill School Summerlin Preschool

Mrs. Shallenberger is known for building a learning environment that is joyful, intentional, and student-centered in every detail. An outstanding example of her creativity and purpose, one nomination highlighted Mrs. Shallenberger’s “Merryhill Day Parade”—a project inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in which students engineer their own balloons and parade them around the campus. The project weaves together imagination, engineering, and community into one memorable experience.

Learn more about Merryhill School.

Primary Grades (Kindergarten – 2nd Grade) Teacher of the Year

Megan Nielson, Kindergarten Teacher, Merryhill School Durango

Kindergarten is where children first decide whether school is a place for them, and Megan Nielson makes sure the answer is always yes. Nominations consistently described Nielson as a teacher who meets each child where they are, and understands their learning style, spots their strengths, and provides the encouragement they need to take the next step.

Learn more about Merryhill School.

Intermediate Grades (3rd – 5th Grade) Teacher of the Year

Stevenson Cease, 3rd Grade Teacher, Paragon Prep

When a student starts the year behind, the difference between catching up and falling further back often comes down to their level of trust in their teacher. Stevenson Cease has built that trust repeatedly, and the nominations consistently highlighted this. Specific moments such as games, performances, technology projects, and what one parent described as a “syllable robot dance-off” show the creativity Cease brings to his classroom in ways that make learning feel both exciting and safe.

Learn more about Paragon Prep.

Middle/High School (6th – 12th Grade) Teacher of the Year

Dr. Subha Venkat, Science Teacher, The Honor Roll School

Dr. Subha Venkat’s students don’t just study science. They compete in Science Bowl, present at science fairs, and prepare for PSIA and TMSCA competitions—often with Dr. Venkat by their side on evenings and weekends to help them get ready. Beyond her deep subject expertise, Dr. Venkat is frequently praised by parents for how she communicates: thoughtful updates, consistent responsiveness, and guidance that keeps families informed and connected to their child’s progress. A regular theme emerged across every nomination of a passionate educator who inspires not just academic achievement, but confidence, resilience, and a genuine passion for learning.

Learn more about The Honor Roll School.

Specialty (Art, Music, PE, Technology, Foreign Language) Teachers of the Year

Margarita Trujillo, Spanish Teacher, Van Avery Prep

In Margarita Trujillo’s Spanish classroom, learning a language is the beginning, not the goal. Describing her classroom as welcoming and culturally rich, nominations depicted a teacher who utilizes intentionally designed classroom elements such as visual supports, vocabulary resources, cultural artifacts, and student work that celebrates identity and belonging. Through listening, speaking, reading, and writing, Trujillo develops students into confident communicators. Her approach connects language to culture in ways that stay with students long after the class ends.

Learn more about Van Avery Prep.

Brandy Eleazer, Performing Arts Teacher, Park Maitland School North

Brandy Eleazer doesn’t just teach children how to sing or dance, she teaches them that they belong—on stage, in a classroom, and in their own lives. The performing arts teacher is consistently described as a powerhouse educator whose productions leave a lasting impression on students, families, and the broader school community. Her classes cover not only acting, singing, choreography, teamwork, and commitment, but a deeper lesson in confidence. Students who had never participated in the arts before Eleazer’s class have gone on to pursue performing arts beyond Park Maitland, and nominations credited her with the shift.

Learn more about Park Maitland School.

Congratulations to each of these outstanding teachers on this recognition. We also celebrate every educator in our network for the superior education they provide to our students. Through their passion and dedication, these professionals are actively shaping the future and raising the standard of excellence in education across the country.