Arizona Teacher of the Year
AEF honors the outstanding dedication and impact of Arizona’s top educators. The Arizona Teacher of the Year program celebrates exceptional teachers who inspire students, contribute to their schools and uplift their communities.
About Arizona Teacher of the Year
The Arizona Teacher of the Year program is the highest state-level recognition a public school educator may receive as it determines Arizona’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year. Open to any full-time certified Arizona teacher working in a state-accredited public school or school operating under the Bureau of Indian Education, this program highlights the vital role of educators, celebrates their achievements and provides them with a platform to share insights about the realities facing public schools and teachers. Out of hundreds of nominations each year, AEF honors 15 outstanding teachers and selects one as the Arizona Teacher of the Year.
AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony
Join us for the “Oscar Awards” for teaching excellence! Presented by Desert Financial Credit Union
Celebrate outstanding Arizona educators with us at this annual awards ceremony. The winner of the Arizona Teacher of the Year Award is announced live on stage and becomes our state candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
Meet the 2025 Winner
AEF is pleased to announce Emmett Burnton was named 2025 Arizona Teacher of the Year. He is now Arizona’s official candidate for National Teacher of the Year. Burnton teaches AP world history and U.S. history at Boulder Creek High School in the Deer Valley Unified School District. He has been teaching for nine years.
Learn more about Emmett and the other four finalists for the 2025 Arizona Teacher of the Year Award.
Celebrating Arizona Educators
The Arizona Teacher of the Year program celebrates educators whose skills, dedication and leadership make a lasting impact. Through this recognition, AEF shines a spotlight on the critical role of teaching excellence in Arizona.
Nominate a Teacher
Do you know an Arizona public school teacher who stands out?
Eligibility & Timeline
You can nominate any certified Arizona public school teacher who meets our eligibility requirements.
See the Prizes
Each year, our 10 finalists receive a prize package thanking them for their exemplary work.
Become a Sponsor
Does your company or organization value the contributions of teachers? Show your appreciation by sponsoring the Arizona Teacher of the Year awards.
Celebrate Arizona’s Educators
Anyone can nominate a teacher — students, parents, administrators, colleagues and community members. Teachers may even self-nominate. Names of those nominating are kept strictly confidential unless permission is granted to AEF to release that information. Take five minutes and support and uplift the educators who shape Arizona’s future. Nominate a deserving teacher today.
See Past Arizona Teacher of the Year Honorees
It’s a great distinction to be honored as Arizona Teacher of the Year. Check out past Teacher of the Year honorees!