2017 National Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced
On January 9, the Council of Chief State School Officers announced the four finalists for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year award. AACTE is proud to announce that each of the four finalists received preparation from a member institution. These year’s finalists teach in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.
Sydney Chaffee, 2017 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
A ninth grade humanities teacher at Codman Academy Charter Public School in Dorchester, MA, Chaffee completed her bachelor’s degree at Sarah Lawrence College (NY) and a master’s degree at Lesley University (MA).
Chris Gleason, 2017 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
A music teacher and band director at Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie, WI, Gleason received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse.
Megan Gross, 2017 California Teacher of the Year
A special education teacher at Del Norte High School in San Diego, CA, Gross received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and her special education teaching credential from California State University Sacramento.
Athanasia Kyriakakos, 2017 Maryland Teacher of the Year
An art teacher at Merganthaler Vocational Technical High School in Baltimore, MD, Kyriakakos received her bachelor’s degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art, her teaching certification from Central Connecticut State University, and her master’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (IL).
AACTE is honored to serve as a participant in the national selection committee, composed of 18 education and community organizations that reviewed applications representing teachers from each state, U.S. territory, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Each of the four finalists will meet with the full selection committee for in-person interviews before a White House ceremony announcing the award recipient this spring.
Congratulations to the four finalists and the AACTE members who have contributed to their success!
Tags: AACTE partner organizations
