In July 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 school year.
In September, DonorsChoose randomly selected the first five winners to each win $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards to provide supplies for their classrooms. Now, in February 2026, the last five winners are here! You can find all of the winners below.
Keep up the support for teachers! Use promo code THANKATEACHER and find a local teacher to support – and DonorsChoose will double your donation!
Winter 2026 Winners
Lisa Elkhay
2nd Grade Teacher
Brightwood Elementary School
Springfield, Massachusetts
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Mrs. Elkhay sincerely cares about all of her students. She differentiates and accommodates to meet the needs of all of her students. She is a leader on her second grade team being the veteran teacher. She also participates in after school activities with her students such as being a Girls on the Run coach for girls in grades 3-5 and being a basketball coach for students in grades 5 and 6. She is a truly dedicated teacher that deserves recognition for all of her work throughout her teaching career.
Kathy Kaze
1st Grade Teacher
Leman Academy of Excellence
Parker, Colorado
Nominated by: Susan
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
There is none better! Kathy cares deeply about each of her scholars, going above and beyond to provide them with what they need. She is a fabulous team member, too!
Michelle Kelley
9th-12th Grade Life Skills Teacher
Mesquite High School
Mesquite, Texas
Nominated by: Lynne
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Michelle teaches high school special ed. She has the patience of a saint. She cares about all of her students as if they were her own. Not only is she great with her students, she’s fantastic with communicating with their parents. I don’t know how she does it!
Courtney Sem
Kindergarten Teacher
Stanley Public School
Stanley, North Dakota
Nominated by: Nate
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Childhood dream was to be a kindergarten teacher, she makes an everlasting positive impact on all the young lives that she teaches. She taught for 8 years, took a break for maternity leave, and got the opportunity to start teaching again in Stanley.
Lynda Worthington
Intervention Specialist
Open Door School
Coal Grove, Oh
Nominated by: Shelli
What makes this teacher special, in the nominator’s words:
Lynda is a truly amazing teacher! She is the first to volunteer to help any of her co-workers. Her students love her so much. She goes above and beyond for them. Lynda is constantly trying to find new approaches to help her students improve. She loves all the kids in the school.
Fall 2025 Winners
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.
.png)
