Indiana Teacher of the Year finalists unveiled
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There are now 10 educators in the running for the state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year award.
The Indiana Department of Education named the finalists this week for the award that’s meant to showcase exceptional instruction. The eventual winner will be announced in the fall and is given a prominent role in representing Hoosier teachers on a national level and by serving on various boards for a year’s time.
The finalists for 2025 Teacher of the Year are:
- Justin Allison, Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township (Indianapolis)
- Dayna Cade, Plainfield Community School Corp.
- Chet Dixon, Mooresville Consolidated School Corp.
- Molly Fountain, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. (Columbus)
- Chelsea Haneline, Huntington County Community School Corp. (Warren)
- Ellie Minoque, Tippecanoe School Corp. (Lafayette)
- Graciela Miranda, Metropolitan School District of Pike Township (Indianapolis)
- Nicole Schadek, Purdue Polytechnic High School (Indianapolis)
- Susan Marie Shell, Michigan City Area Schools
- Shelly Swain, Richmond Community Schools
School districts submit applications on behalf of teachers they think are worthy of the award. The IDOE has a selection committee to determine the finalists. That committee is made up of former Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff and other educational and community leaders.
More information about the Indiana Teacher of the Year program can be found here.