From July 15 to August 29, 2025, DonorsChoose launched the iHeartRadio Thank a Teacher campaign with longtime partner iHeartMedia. The contest recognized public school teachers who are shaping the future and highlighted the important role that teachers play in educating, mentoring, and inspiring students, despite facing limited resources and funding challenges.
During the contest’s run, iHeartRadio invited the public to nominate outstanding teachers who are going above and beyond to make a difference in their students’ lives. Select teachers were featured on their local iHeartRadio stations throughout the month of August.
Today, DonorsChoose randomly selected five teachers to win $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards to provide supplies for their classrooms. Below are the winners!
Nominations are still being accepted for the Winter 2026 contest of iHeartRadio Thank a Teacher. In February 2026, five more public school teachers will be randomly selected to win $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards. Nominations can be submitted by visiting donorschoose.org/iHeartRadio and completing a brief entry form. All entries will be reviewed by DonorsChoose to verify that teachers nominated work at a U.S. public school.
Robert Brightbill
9th-12th Grade Teacher, Building Construction Technology
Dauphin County Technical School
Harrisburg, PA
Nominated by: Debra
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Mr. Brightbill is extremely knowledgeable in his field. Not only does he share his knowledge with his students, but he also instills giving and compassion in his students, teaching them to give back and pay it forward. He is very active at the school as well as in the community. He has the knowledge, skills, and compassion. He's just a great man and very deserving individual.
Catherine Burke
5th Grade Math and Science Teacher
Gene Witt Elementary School
Bradenton, FL
Nominated by: Cara
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Catherine is amazing. She is always willing to help anyone and teaches students at their pace to ensure they understand the lesson. She volunteers to tutor students after school who need additional help - free of charge. She also attends the monthly School Advisory Council and PTO meetings to stay involved and provide her opinion from the teacher point of view.
Beata Karczewski
9th Grade Science Teacher
Southeast Career Technical Academy
Las Vegas, NV
Nominated by: Ayesha
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Ms. Karczewski recently moved to Southeast Career Technical Academy from Bob Miller Middle School. She is an exceptional science teacher who truly loves sharing her passion for science with her students. She has been a Science Olympiad coach for many years and mentored students who have achieved multiple awards for the Science Olympiad state competition in Nevada. She spends endless hours on the weekend and will make multiple trips to the hardware store to help students succeed in their events. She is an outstanding mentor and colleague!
Tiffany Lancaster
Pre-K Special Education Teacher
Plummer Elementary School
Washington, DC
Nominated by: James
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Mrs. Lancaster is an exceptional teacher. She uses her own money to provide a calm and entertaining area for her students. She treats each child like they're her own. She is a lifesaver in her community.
Kimberly Yonts
3rd Grade Teacher
Kirkwood Elementary School
Clarksville, TN
Nominated by: Kalin
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Mrs. Yonts loves all of her students. She makes every effort to ensure all of her students reach their full potential. Most importantly she runs her classroom with love, respect and discipline. Because of this, her students perform really well. Parents love her. She is one of the most requested teachers by parents and fellow teachers. This is why I nominate Mrs. Kimberly Yonts. She deserves it.
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