Each honoree is selected by their district administration based on each teacher’s belief that all students can and want to learn, their desire to make a significant difference in students’ lives, their commitment to professional development, and for their outstanding classroom skills and leadership. Read about this year's recipients below.
C-TEC of Licking County
Kris Hall, Dental Assisting Instructor
Selected by administration because:
She exemplifies the heart of career and technical education through her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success, earning recognition as C-TEC Teacher of the Year for 2025–2026.
As a graduate of vocational education herself, she brings decades of real-world dental experience into the classroom, providing students with authentic, high-level instruction grounded in professional practice.
Kris has served C-TEC for more than 20 years, shaping student futures through rigorous instruction, high expectations, and genuine care for each learner.
She designed and launched Ohio’s first EFDA program in collaboration with COTC. Through her role with this program, she has expanded student access to advanced credentials and career opportunities.
Beyond teaching, Kris is a leader and advocate at the state level and a tireless servant to her community (both locally and around the world), modeling compassion, professionalism, and excellence.
Kris believes every student has potential and works intentionally to help each one succeed.
Granville Exempted Village Schools
James Browder
Language Arts, Granville Middle School
Selected by administration because:
He exemplifies innovative, student-centered leadership through his commitment to empowering students as curious, confident, and engaged learners.
At the core of his teaching is a deep focus on reigniting students’ curiosity and sense of agency, encouraging them to draw from their own interests, experiences, and passions.
He intentionally balances structure with autonomy, giving students the freedom and support to take ownership of their learning and develop purpose and self-direction.
Mr. Browder challenges students to see themselves as active, positive contributors to their communities and the broader world.
Beyond the classroom, he builds authentic partnerships with Denison University and local businesses, connecting students to real-world problems and experiential learning.
Through project-based learning, mentorship, and design thinking, Mr. Browder leaves students with skills, confidence, and mindsets that shape how they approach learning and future challenges.
Heath City Schools
Allysson Shelton
Reading Specialist, Stevenson Elementary
Selected by administration because:
She exemplifies a Leader for Learning through her deep belief that all students can learn and grow, and her unwavering commitment to meeting each child where they are.
She brings a student-centered approach to her classroom, creating a culture where students feel safe, confident, and encouraged to try new things.
Driven by a desire to better serve her students, Ms. Shelton intentionally expanded her expertise in literacy, dedicating herself to learning new strategies so she could help striving readers become confident, fluent readers.
She works collaboratively with colleagues, recognizing that student success is a team effort and generously sharing her knowledge and support.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Shelton contributes thoughtfully to school and district initiatives, always with the goal of helping students learn and grow.
Her dedication to professional growth, strong relationships, and instructional excellence make her richly deserving of this recognition.
Johnstown-Monroe School District
Katie Mattson
Intervention Specialist, Johnstown Middle School
Selected by administration because:
Mrs. Mattson exemplifies the very heart of a Leader for Learning through her unwavering commitment to students and her belief that every child can succeed.
Each day, she brings energy, purpose, and enthusiasm into her classroom, creating a space where students feel supported, challenged, and genuinely valued.
Mrs. Mattson builds strong, trusting relationships with her students, holding them to high expectations while providing the individualized care and encouragement they need to grow—academically and personally.
She is a tireless advocate for equity and access, ensuring that every learner has meaningful opportunities to learn, persevere, and experience success.
Beyond her work with students, Mrs. Mattson is a respected leader among her colleagues, known for her collaboration, professionalism, and willingness to support others.
Her passion, leadership, and dedication make a lasting impact on the students and staff of Johnstown Middle School and make her richly deserving of this recognition.
Lakewood Local Schools
Brittaney Crider
3rd Grade, Jackson Intermediate
Selected by administration because:
Mrs. Crider’s commitment to Lakewood runs deep. For 17 years, she has invested her time, talent, and heart in the students and families of this community, building trust and meaningful relationships that span generations.
She creates a warm, structured learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success—both academically and emotionally.
Mrs. Crider thoughtfully uses student data to guide her instruction, ensuring that each learner receives the support and challenge they need to grow with confidence and dignity.
She is a strong advocate for inclusive practices, working to ensure that students with diverse learning needs have access to meaningful, grade-level learning opportunities.
Through her mentorship of new educators, Mrs. Crider has helped countless teachers find stability, purpose, and joy, modeling collaboration, professionalism, and the heart of teaching at Jackson Intermediate.
Licking Heights Local Schools
Amy Garner
2nd Grade, Everest Elementary
Selected by administration because:
Amy believes deeply that all students can and want to learn, and this belief is evident in her daily interactions, instructional decisions, and unwavering advocacy for her students.
She is committed to meeting each learner where they are by providing personalized instruction, thoughtful behavior supports, and consistent collaboration with educational staff.
Amy values families as true partners in learning and intentionally builds strong, trusting relationships with parents to support student success.
She makes learning engaging and meaningful by encouraging independence, hands-on experiences, and student ownership in the classroom.
Amy actively seeks feedback and collaboration, reflecting each year on the unique needs of her students to continuously improve her practice.
Through her dedication to access, inclusion, and joyful learning, Amy enhances the educational experience for all students at Everest Elementary.
Licking Regional Educational Services Center
Tashia Cardec
Intervention Specialist, Phoenix Central
Selected by administration because:
Tashia Cardec embodies the spirit of a Leader for Learning through her unwavering dedication to students and her belief in their ability to succeed.
She works tirelessly alongside students, offering one-on-one support that helps them stay on track, overcome obstacles, and move confidently toward graduation.
Tashia is deeply attentive to each student’s unique journey, taking extra care to ensure they feel supported, understood, and capable of reaching their goals.
Known for her willingness to step in wherever help is needed, she consistently goes above and beyond to support students, colleagues, and school initiatives.
Tashia’s reliability, flexibility, and strong work ethic make her a trusted presence within the school community.
Through her collaboration, encouragement, and student-centered mindset, Tashia helps create a positive, supportive culture where both students and staff can thrive.
Licking Valley Local Schools
Mike Hageman
8th Grade American History, Licking Valley Middle School
Selected by administration because:
Mr. Hageman exemplifies what it means to be a Leader for Learning through 30 years of unwavering dedication to students, families, and the Licking Valley community.
He is a trusted presence in the building—someone colleagues, students, and families rely on for guidance, support, and steady leadership.
Mr. Hageman believes deeply in the potential of every student and builds strong, lasting connections with families through consistent, thoughtful communication.
Over the years, he has impacted thousands of students, many of whom return simply to thank him—an enduring testament to the relationships he builds.
For more than 20 years, Mr. Hageman has led the 8th grade Gettysburg trip, dedicating countless hours to planning and guiding an experience that brings history to life and creates lasting memories for students.
His collaborative leadership and commitment to meaningful learning experiences leave a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
Newark City Schools
Kimberly Taylor
High School Social Studies, NCS Digital
Selected by administration because:
Ms. Taylor is an exceptional educator whose instructional expertise, leadership, and commitment to student and family engagement exemplify the highest ideals of Newark City Schools.
She provides rigorous, engaging instruction that promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and real-world application of content.
Ms. Taylor creates a learning environment where high expectations are balanced with strong relationships, ensuring students feel both challenged and supported.
She intentionally fosters student voice and thoughtful discourse, empowering students to become informed, active participants in their communities.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Taylor serves as a leader through Student Council and the Student-Family Engagement Committee, strengthening connections between students, families, and the school.
Ms. Taylor’s leadership extends beyond instruction, as she helps shape a school culture where students, families, and staff feel connected, respected, and empowered.
North Fork Local Schools
Betsy Crego
4th Grade Science and Social Studies, Newton Elementary
Selected by administration because:
Mrs. Crego is consistently kind and caring, creating a safe, supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and encouraged to succeed.
She is actively engaged in instruction and demonstrates strong knowledge of her practice, ensuring high-quality teaching and meaningful learning experiences.
Mrs. Crego designs inclusive, creative lessons that engage all learners, support diverse needs, and inspire students to reach their full potential.
Beyond her classroom, she is a respected leader among colleagues, known for her willingness to collaborate, reflect, and lead by example.
Mrs. Crego’s dedication to her students, her school, and the district is evident and deeply appreciated, strengthening teaching and learning across the entire school community.
Northridge Local Schools
Lily Nord
Kindergarten, Northridge Elementary
Selected by administration because:
Lily Nord exemplifies the qualities of a Leader for Learning through her unwavering belief that all students can and want to learn, and her deep commitment to their academic, social, and emotional growth.
She meets students where they are, celebrates their strengths, and creates a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and capable of success.
Lily builds lasting relationships with her students, maintaining meaningful connections long after they leave her classroom—an enduring testament to the trust and care she establishes with every child.
She consistently goes above and beyond to support individual student needs, thoughtfully adjusting instruction, preparing meaningful lessons, and offering encouragement when it is needed most.
Committed to continuous professional growth, Lily reflects on her practice, welcomes feedback, and collaborates openly with colleagues, strengthening both teaching and school culture.
Lily’s strong instructional practices, leadership, and student-centered approach make her a model educator and a highly deserving recipient of this recognition.
Southwest Licking Schools
Jennifer Johnson
Literacy Specialist, Pataskala South Fork Elementary
Selected by administration because:
Mrs. Johnson exemplifies the very best of education through 26 years of unwavering dedication to students and literacy learning.
She believes deeply that every child can learn and shows up each day with positivity, purpose, and a commitment to high-quality instruction.
As a primary literacy specialist, she works tirelessly to ensure young learners build strong reading foundations, supporting students across multiple grade levels with care and expertise.
Mrs. Johnson is a quiet, respected leader who contributes far beyond her classroom, strengthening systems and supporting colleagues to ensure consistency and success for all students.
She continually invests in her own professional growth, bringing research-based practices and innovative thinking back to both her students and her team.
Her solution-focused mindset, steady leadership, and heartfelt advocacy make her an invaluable part of the Pataskala South Fork community and a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.
