The 2026 recipients of the Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence, selected by their NEA affiliates, represent educators from across the country who embody excellence in their practice, advocacy for the profession, commitment to equity and opportunity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development.

South Dakota

Wisconsin

Pennsylvania

Oregon

Florida

New Mexico

New York

Ohio

Georgia

Kentucky

Kansas

Arizona

Maryland

Minnesota

Nebraska

Oklahoma

Vermont

Iowa

Michigan

Colorado

Connecticut

Texas

Massachusetts

Montana

Alaska

North Dakota

Alabama

Maine

Rhode Island

Hawaii

Missouri

Wyoming

Virginia

Idaho

South Carolina

North Carolina

Illinois

Utah

Tennessee

Delaware

New Jersey

Washington

Arkansas

Mississippi

Louisiana

Indiana

California