Imagine Schools is proud to honor Tracy Ellis from the Heartland region as our Co-Winner for 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Tracy teaches Eighth Grade Math at Imagine Great Western Academy in Ohio. With 15 years of teaching experience, including 10 at Imagine, Tracy is a dedicated educator known for building meaningful relationships and creating a culture of growth and accountability. Her data-driven instruction, individualized goal setting, and flexible small-group support empower students to achieve strong academic gains while building confidence in mathematics. Tracy’s impact extends far beyond the classroom through her involvement in athletics, student activities, and community-building events that strengthen family connections and school culture. As a coach, advisor, and mentor, she creates opportunities for students to feel seen, valued, and supported both academically and personally. Tracy’s commitment to Imagine’s Shared Values and her belief in developing the whole child have made her a trusted leader and a lasting influence within the Imagine Great Western community.

Imagine Schools is proud to honor Courtney Rector from the Southeast region as our Co-Winner for 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Courtney teaches Third Grade Reading and Social Studies at Imagine South Lake Charter in Florida. An Imagine alumna who has been part of the school community since 2006, Courtney brings passion, purpose, and deep community connection to her classroom. Now in her eighth year of teaching, she has earned recognition for exceptional academic growth, including achieving student growth percentiles above 50 across all quartiles. Her classroom emphasizes reflection, collaboration, and student ownership through data binders, self-assessments, and engaging instructional strategies. Beyond the classroom, she mentors new teachers, supports curriculum implementation, and helps create schoolwide literacy initiatives that foster a love of reading. Courtney’s dedication to family partnerships, character development, and shared decision-making reflects the heart of Imagine Schools and creates a welcoming environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Danielle Pierce, Imagine Schools 2026 Runner-Up, from the South Florida region, teaches Third Grade at Imagine Schools at Plantation in Florida. With six years in education, including five at Imagine, Danielle is a passionate educator and instructional leader who creates a classroom environment rooted in growth, structure, and encouragement. As chair of the Academic Growth Committee and Grades 3-5 Team Lead, she collaborates with colleagues to strengthen reading and math achievement while mentoring both new and aspiring teachers. Danielle’s expertise in writing instruction has led her to present at the Imagine Schools South Florida Forum and develop in-school professional development opportunities for staff. Her classroom emphasizes character development, student leadership, and growth mindset practices that empower students to take ownership of their learning. Through strong family communication, differentiated instruction, and joyful learning experiences, Danielle exemplifies Imagine’s Shared Values while inspiring both students and colleagues every day.

Sarah Terhune, Imagine Schools 2026 Region Winner, from the West Florida region, teaches First Grade at Imagine School at North Port in Florida. With 41 years in education, including 12 at Imagine, Sarah is a veteran educator whose classroom is built on warmth, structure, and joyful learning. She creates a safe environment where young learners are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and grow with confidence through hands-on, data-driven instruction. Sarah believes deeply in partnering with families and maintains strong communication through conferences, newsletters, classroom updates, and personal outreach that helps families feel connected and valued. Her classroom culture centers on character development, leadership opportunities, and Imagine’s Shared Values of Justice, Integrity, and Fun. A respected member of the school community, Sarah fosters belonging and positivity in every interaction, helping students develop not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

Avigail Frager, Imagine Schools 2026 Region Winner, from the Mid-Atlantic region, teaches Fifth and Sixth Grade Reading and English Language Arts at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School in Maryland. With 23 years in education, including eight at Imagine Andrews, Avigail creates an engaging and student-centered learning environment where scholars are encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and grow as readers and leaders. Her classroom is known for creative literacy experiences such as “Starbooks” events and the “ba-READ-sta Training Program,” which inspire students to develop a love of reading through fun and meaningful challenges. Avigail integrates Imagine Andrews’ Core Values into every aspect of instruction, helping students connect character development to literature, leadership, and personal growth. Through literacy nights, student showcases, and strong family engagement, she builds meaningful partnerships with parents while fostering a classroom culture rooted in curiosity, reflection, and academic excellence.

Terri Leach, Imagine Schools 2026 Region Winner, from the Southwest region, serves as an ESS teacher for grades 6-12 at Imagine Prep Surprise in Arizona. With 15 years of teaching experience, including 12 at Imagine, Terri has transformed the lives of students with exceptional needs through her compassion, innovation, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. She created the school’s Foundational Skills Classroom from the ground up, building a safe and supportive environment where students develop academic, social, and life skills that prepare them for success beyond high school. Terri incorporates hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and individualized support to help students build independence and confidence. Her strong relationships with families, collaborative support for general education teachers, and commitment to character development have strengthened the entire school community.

Cymber Clay, Imagine Schools 2026 Region Winner, from the Southwest region, teaches Third Grade at Imagine Avondale Elementary in Arizona. With eight years in education, including three at Imagine, Cymber is a passionate educator who combines high expectations with intentional support to help every student thrive. Her classroom focuses on building confidence, independence, and academic growth through differentiated instruction, cooperative learning strategies, and data-driven small-group instruction. Cymber is deeply committed to creating strong partnerships with families through open communication, parent engagement events, and a welcoming classroom culture where parents feel valued and heard. She actively contributes to school development by mentoring colleagues, supporting school events, and serving on the Math Curriculum Task Force to share effective instructional practices. Through her commitment to equity, collaboration, and joyful learning, Cymber embodies Imagine Schools’ Shared Values while helping students grow both academically and personally.