After an incredible competition, one teacher came out on top and will tell their story in Reader's Digest, take home $25,000, bring Bill Nye The Science Guy to their school for an assembly, and enjoy a well-deserved Hawaiian vacation.
A 4th grade teacher from Tennessee, Ivy brings heart, patience, and purpose to her classroom. She never imagined working with kids, but found her passion for helping children feel loved and valued. As our champion, she plans to use the prize money for an after-school program and eye surgery for her brother, one of her biggest supporters.
One of America's most iconic magazines, Reader's Digest is known for honoring everyday heroes and sharing stories that inspire. Stay tuned for Ivy’s story celebrating her passion for shaping the future for her students.
Ivy will enjoy a well-deserved trip to Hawaii, relaxing on pristine beaches and exploring lush landscapes, allowing her to unwind, recharge, and celebrate the incredible impact she made for her students.
The Planetary Society is the world's largest nonprofit space organization, inspiring future explorers through education and innovation. Their mission to empower people to discover new worlds mirrors the curiosity and wonder great teachers spark in students every day.
Explore the Cosmos
For Evelyn Downey, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a daily opportunity to make a difference. She is passionate about shaping the future for her students, encouraging growth, and helping them feel seen and supported.
Although she always wanted to teach, Noelle's interest in special education started after becoming a tutor in high school. Now, she teaches 1st and 2nd grade with care and purpose, helping students build confidence and feel proud of themselves.
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a community of 35,000 science educators advancing best practices, student learning, and professional growth through high-quality resources, continuous learning, and national networking with mentors, peers, and leading researchers.
Lerner Publishing Group is one of the nation’s largest independently owned children’s publishers with more than 7,000 books in print. Lerner creates the highest-quality nonfiction and fiction content for children and young adults in a variety of subjects and formats, including board books, picture books, graphic novels, middle grade and young adult novels, and series nonfiction titles.
For more than 75 years, Paper Mate has led in performance-driven pens, pencils, and correction products, offering a wide range of writing tools designed to help people create meaningful connections through writing.
Hammermill has been a trusted name in premium paper products for over a century. Known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, Hammermill provides the tools needed to bring ideas to life with precision and clarity. From everyday printing to creative projects, their paper delivers unmatched reliability.
We're celebrating incredible students, too! Meet the soon-to-be 7th grader who earned the title of America's Favorite Student and will appear in Reader's Digest with Ivy.
Meet The Champion
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America’s Favorite Teacher, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
Meet Colossal