Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year (TOY) program, with the support of the CFSD Foundation, highlights and celebrates the contributions of Catalina Foothills teachers. The program annually recognizes two exceptionally skilled and dedicated teachers from a group of 5 finalists. Nominees are those who have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents and co-workers, and who inspire learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. They play an active and useful role in their communities as well as in their schools, distinguishing themselves as leaders.  

Become a Sponsor

Your support will help us honor and celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference in our schools every day

Main Event Sponsor – $5,000

• Premier recognition as the Presenting Sponsor of the Teacher of the Year Awards
• Logo featured prominently on all event signage and promotional materials
• Opportunity to speak at the event and welcome guests
• Featured recognition on social media and ParentSquare
• Exclusive sponsor spotlight on social media
• 8 VIP seats at the event

Teacher of the Year Awards Sponsor – $2,500

• Recognition as an Award Sponsor
• Opportunity to introduce a Teacher of the Year recipient, if desired
• Logo placement on event signage and promotional materials
• Recognition on social media and ParentSquare
• 6 VIP seats at the event

Distinguished Educators Sponsor – $500

• Recognition as a Distinguished Educators Sponsor, supporting the $500 award for one of the Distinguished Educators
• Name/logo featured on event signage
• Recognition on social media and ParentSquare
• 2 reserved seats at the event

Community Sponsor – $100

• Name listed on event signage
• Recognition on social media and ParentSquare

Congratulations to our
2025-2026 Teachers of the Year!

2025-2026 Distinguished Educators

About Teacher of the Year

Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, co-workers, and/or administrators, or may self-nominate. To be eligible, nominees must be AZ certified teachers in at least their 5th year of teaching, currently teaching pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in the Catalina Foothills School District, spend the majority of their day in direct instruction of students, and be in good standing with their school principal and CFSD administration.    

After the nomination period has closed, a list of nominees will be given to principals at each site to determine eligibility. Eligible teachers are then notified that they have been nominated and given the opportunity to apply to become CFSD Teacher of the Year (only teachers who complete the application process will be considered). Applications will be blind-scored on a rubric by a committee consisting of parents from CFSD.  Five finalists will be scheduled for an interview as part of the final selection. The interview team (consisting of community members, CFSD alumni and the previous year winners) will make the final selection. Two Teachers of the Year will be selected, and the remaining three finalists are designated as Distinguished Educators. The Teachers of the Year and the three Distinguished Educators will be honored at their school sites and at the CFSD Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Celebration.