- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Teacher of the Year
2023-2024 Alaska Teacher of the Year Nomination Period is CLOSED!
Alaska has many outstanding teachers that are worthy of this award. The Alaska Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program gives us an exciting opportunity to identify Alaska’s best teachers! Any interested Alaska citizen may make nominations for the Alaska Teacher of the Year. The Alaska TOY Program is an excellent way to acknowledge the expertise, skills, accomplishments, and professionalism of teachers within your school. The nomination period is currently closed. Please check back next year to nominate an educator.
Catherine Walker - 2024 Teacher of the Year
During the open nomination period Walker received nominations from students, community members, colleagues, and administrators. Her innovation and dedication to her students, school, and community was evident through their words, and confirmed throughout the rest of the evaluation process.
A graduate of Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, Walker has been teaching at Dimond High School in the Anchorage School District since 2017. She has taught Engineering Essentials, Unmanned Aviation Science, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Biology, and 9th-grade Science. Walker started many of these courses at Dimond, including Project Lead the Way Engineering Essentials. Walker sponsors Battle of the Books, Green Effects Recycling, and the National Ocean Science Bowl Club, and serves as a board member of the Alaska Society for Technology in Education. Walker creates a classroom environment focused on career-oriented problem solvers in the community with a focus on mental health through high expectations with interdisciplinary lessons. Walker mentors new and pre-service teachers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Prince William Sound College. She has a passion for Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) careers and works diligently to create a support system for her students to achieve in these fields.
“Congratulations to Ms. Walker for earning this great distinction,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “As a former teacher and administrator, I know how much of a difference it makes when a skilled teacher goes above and beyond for their students, and I’m thankful to have Ms. Walker teaching in Alaska.”
"Congratulations to Ms. walker on this recognition and we celebrate all of her accomplishments over her 17 years of being a public school teacher," said Heidi Teshner, DEED's Acting Commissioner. "Ms. Walker's problem-based career-oriented lessons encourage students of all abilities to ignite their interest in STEM-related work and activities that will benefit them long after high school. Her dedication to teaching is an inspiration to all and her students are lucky to have her as a teacher."
As Alaska’s Teacher of the Year, Walker will participate in programming offered by the Council of Chief State School Officers with other state Teachers of the Year. Walker will also be Alaska's candidate for the National Teacher of the Year.
Contact Us
- Program Coordinator
- Hollins Emili
- (907) 269-6757
Recent Teachers of the Year
- 2023 - Harlee Harvey
Tikiġaq School, North Slope Borough School District - 2022 - Kelly Shrein
Northwood Elementary School, Anchorage - 2021 - None due to Pandemic
- 2020 - Amy Gallaway
West Valley High School, Fairbanks - 2019 - Danielle Riha
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School - 2018 - Ben Walker,
Romig Middle School - 2017 - James Harris,
Soldotna High School - 2016 - Amy Jo Meiners,
Auke Bay and Riverbend Elementary Schools - 2015 - John Bruce,
Romig Middle School - 2014 - Denise Lisac,
Dillingham Elementary School - 2013 - Christopher Benshoof,
Lathrop High School
All Teachers of the Year
- To view a list of Alaska's Teacher of the Year from 1963 to Present
About the National Teacher of the Year Program
The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The NTOY is chosen from among the State Teachers of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing the major national education organizations. Each April, the NTOY is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States.
Participation in the NTOY Program is available through the State Teacher of the Year Program. Each year the 50 states, five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity name a state teacher of the year.
During the official year of recognition, the NTOY Program is released from classroom duties to travel nationally and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. The teacher's home state and district ensure the teacher's salary and benefits. All scheduling and logistical arrangements for the National Teacher are coordinated through the NTOY Program. National Teachers average over 150 events each year before audiences ranging from several hundred to over ten thousand. Television, radio, and the print media readily utilize National Teachers to represent the voice of education. The National Teacher may be called upon to represent American educators to audiences in other nations. National Teachers are frequently requested to sit on national and state commissions and policy advising bodies.
Criteria for Selection of State Teacher of the Year
A candidate for Teacher of the Year:
- Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
- Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
- Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
- Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning.
- Expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way.
- Has five (5) or more years experience in the field of education.