As we prepare the next generation for a STEM-driven future, FIRST® believes the greatest impact starts with educators. Every day, they inspire curiosity, build confidence, and open doors students may have never imagined, transforming learning into a journey of possibility.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honored to celebrate a new cohort of educators and schools recognized in the 2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program. Nominated by the global FIRST community, these dedicated individuals and learning institutions are providing STEM For Everyone™ and empowering students to discover their potential.
Join us in celebrating their impact on social media using #InspireTheFuture.
2026 Educator Honorees
🍎 Mary Ure from Paola, Kansas (Grades K-5)
🍎 Nicole Crane from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (Grades K-5)
🍎 Alisia Davis from Columbus, Ohio (Grades 6-8)
🍎 Neeraj Agnihotri from Renton, Washington (Grades 6-8)
🍎 Sarah VanLoo from Ann Arbor, Michigan (Grades 6-8)
🍎 Tina Gleason from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Grades 6-8)
🍎 Mark Case from Greensboro, North Carolina (Grades 9-12)
🍎 Matthew Cain from West Branch, Iowa (Grades 9-12)
🍎 Matthew Riney from Washington, Indiana (Grades 9-12)
🍎 Wenny Lin from Tujunga, California (Grades 9-12)
🍎 Craig Bond from Canada
🍎 Fatima-Zahra Benyaaqoub from Morocco
🍎 Guillermo Sadot Silva Cedeño from Mexico
🍎 Lina Hassan from Saudi Arabia
🍎 Melahat Buladı from Türkiye
2026 School Honorees
✏️ Bedford Academy in Bedford, New Hampshire (Grades K-6)
✏️ Cannon Junior High School in Las Vegas, Nevads (Grades 6-8)
✏️ George J Ryan Middle School 216 in Fresh Meadows, New York (Grades 6-8)
✏️ Meadow Glen Middle School in Lexington, South Carolina (Grades 6-8)
✏️ East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan (Grades 10-12)
✏️ Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon (Grades 9-12)
✏️ Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii (Grades 9-12)
✏️ Lutheran High School of San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas (Grades 9-12)
✏️ Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois (Grades 9-12)
✏️ West Branch Community Schools in Branch, Iowa (Grades 9-12)
✏️ ACI Schools in Türkiye
✏️ PrepaTec Campus Querétaro in Mexico
✏️ SESI 411 in Brazil
✏️ STEM Innovation Academy in Canada
✏️ St. Peters Lutheran College in Australia
Follow FIRST on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more to celebrate our honorees!