2026 Outstanding Educators of the Year

2026 Columbia Public Schools Outstanding Educators of the Year Announced

Seven Columbia Public Schools’ educators have been selected as this year’s Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence honorees.

Since its inception in the 1979-80 school year, the Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence has served to recognize more than 250 educators in the Columbia Public School District for their outstanding teaching, leadership, and support for students. Each year, educators are selected from nominations submitted by parents and peers as outstanding educators. This year’s honorees and their respective categories are:

Honorees receive a $1,500 cash award and an engraved silver tray.

The fund began through the work of the late Ray and Jeanne Lewis, with an initial contribution and extensive fundraising efforts. The late Mr. Lewis was a local attorney and former Board of Education member. The late Mrs. Lewis was a former teacher. Thanks to the contributions and support from individuals, businesses and organizations, Columbia’s best educators continued to be recognized each year for their contributions to young people.