Celebrating Family Learning: Finalists Announced for 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year

The journey of learning is a collaborative one, deeply enriched when schools and families work hand-in-hand. This vital connection is at the heart of the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL)'s mission, and it's precisely what they celebrate with the annual Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award. NCFL recently announced the six exceptional educators who are finalists for the 2026 honor, recognizing their profound commitment to building strong family engagement and innovative, multigenerational learning experiences.

These finalists, hailing from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Texas, represent the very best in educational leadership. Their work underscores a fundamental truth: when parents, guardians, and communities are actively involved in a child's education, the benefits ripple outward, enhancing academic outcomes, fostering motivation, and strengthening the entire learning ecosystem.

Recognizing Dedication to Family Engagement

For three decades, NCFL, with the generous support of Toyota, has championed educators who go above and beyond in developing effective family-school partnerships. According to NCFL, the Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award not only acknowledges these efforts but also provides significant grants to help expand their impactful programs.

The selection process for the 2026 finalists was rigorous, with educators nominated by their peers and leadership. NCFL states that candidates were evaluated based on their demonstrated passion for supporting family engagement and the innovative ideas they've implemented to expand their programs. This focus on both dedication and creativity ensures that the recognized teachers are truly pioneering new ways to connect learning between home and school.

Dr. Felicia C. Smith, president & CEO of the National Center for Families Learning, emphasized the importance of this recognition. According to Dr. Smith, by celebrating these finalists, NCFL is highlighting their daily contributions to improving learning outcomes for children. She notes that educators who understand the critical role of the home learning environment and actively work with families to influence it positively are essential to NCFL's mission of breaking cycles of poverty through family education solutions.

Meet the 2026 Finalists

The six finalists for the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award represent a diverse range of educational roles and approaches, all united by their commitment to family learning:

• Mary Cluley, a physical education teacher at Burkburnett Independent School District in Burkburnett, Texas.
• Holly Daugherty, a youth services librarian at McCreary County Public Library in Whitley City, Kentucky.
• Heather Hall, a STEM teacher at Montview Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama.
• Kristen Kardos, a health teacher and supervisor of health and wellness at Nowell Leadership Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.
• Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo, a STEM teacher at Pinewood Elementary in Orlando, Florida.
• Richard Roe, a career technical education teacher at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

These educators embody the spirit of innovation and dedication that NCFL seeks to celebrate. Their work demonstrates how various disciplines, from physical education to STEM and library services, can be powerful conduits for family engagement.

The Impact of Family-School Partnerships

The significance of family engagement in education cannot be overstated. According to NCFL, when families are actively involved, children often experience higher graduation rates, improved attendance, and enhanced academic achievement. This creates a powerful win-win-win scenario for students, families, and educators alike.

Colleen Casey, general manager of workforce development and sustainable development at Toyota Motor North America, echoed this sentiment. She stated that programs supporting teachers in introducing innovative learning initiatives are essential for student growth. Casey further highlighted that research indicates when teachers have the autonomy to design creative programs, student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement improve significantly. Through its partnership with NCFL, Toyota aims to empower teachers and parents to make learning more accessible to a broader range of families.

For parents and guardians, active engagement can mean everything from helping with homework to participating in school events or simply fostering a love of learning at home. Resources like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, can also provide valuable support, offering K-12 students personalized help with homework and understanding complex topics, making learning accessible anytime, anywhere. Similarly, teachers benefit from stronger partnerships, gaining deeper insights into their students' home lives and cultural backgrounds, which can inform more effective instructional strategies.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Recognition

The educator ultimately selected as the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year will receive a substantial $20,000 grant to further their ongoing family engagement efforts. Additionally, one runner-up will be awarded $5,000. Both the winner and runner-up will be officially announced later this fall and will be recognized at the annual Families Learning Conference, scheduled for November 8-11, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

This recognition not only provides financial support but also elevates the profiles of these remarkable educators, allowing their innovative strategies to inspire others across the nation. The work of NCFL and its partners like Toyota continues to shine a light on the transformative power of connecting homes and schools, creating brighter futures for countless students.