BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Education has opened nominations for the 2027 CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year, the state’s highest honor recognizing excellence in education.
The selected teacher will receive a $10,000 cash award provided by CapEd Credit Union and will spend the year traveling across Idaho to engage with educators, lawmakers, and education leaders on topics related to teaching and curriculum. The honoree will also serve as Idaho’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year and represent the state at several national events.
Nominations are open to the public, including parents, students, colleagues, and community members. Any traditional or charter school educator in Idaho, teaching any subject at any grade level, is eligible. Nominations must be submitted to the department by March 11.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said the program highlights educators who go beyond expectations to support students.
“This program gives us the opportunity to raise up this type of educator and say, ‘here’s someone who’s truly going the extra mile for Idaho students,’” Critchfield said.
All nominated teachers will be notified the week following the deadline and will have until mid-May to complete the application process. A selection committee will review all materials, with the winner expected to be announced in the fall.
Additional information, including nomination forms, application instructions, and the full selection timeline, is available on the Idaho Department of Education’s website.
