Celebrate Outstanding Teachers in Our Community

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond, shaping the minds and hearts of our future leaders? Whether they’re sparking curiosity, leading with compassion, or making a lasting impact in the classroom and community, we want to hear about them!

Who Can Nominate? We’re calling on students, parents, colleagues, and all community members to shine a spotlight on those extraordinary educators who embody what it means to be a true role model.

What’s at Stake?

Grand Prize: The winning teacher will receive $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school to continue inspiring greatness!
Runner-Up: Our runner-up will also be rewarded with $500 for themselves and $500 for their school.

Nomination Deadline:
Mark your calendars—nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, April 1st.

How It Works:
A dedicated committee of our Credit Union Management and Board Members will carefully review all nominations and select the winners. Announcements will be made shortly after the nomination deadline!

Nomination Requirements

For the 2025-2026 School Year

The nominee must be a full-time teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.
They must have at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Teachers retiring at the end of the 2026 school year are not eligible.
Nominees should demonstrate leadership and serve as positive role models in their schools and communities.
Teachers in grades K-12 who are employed in qualifying member counties are eligible for the Teacher of the Year Award.
Please note: Only one nomination per person is allowed.

Nominate

2026 Teacher of the Year Winners

Grand Prize Winner

Nathan Carroll | ART | Forge Road Elementary School/Pine Street Elementary

“Mr. Carroll is a very funny and uplifting teacher to his students. He has patience for those who are challenged learners and supports each student to find their own creativity. All the kids past and present look forward to wandering the halls with their parents to show off their art work. I believe Mr. Carroll deserves the LFCU Teacher of the year award by showing unwavering student teacher relationships while enduring personal hardships.”

Parent

Runner-Up

Matt Werner | Librarian | Cedar Crest Middle School

“I believe Mr. Werner deserves to be LFCU’s Teacher of the Year because he is respectful and keeps order in our school. He has a flawless balance of comedy and solemnness. Also, Mr. and Coach Werner participates in leading a lot of extracurricular activities such as cross country, film club, and morning announcements. He is someone we, as the students, can all talk to and we all feel comfortable around him. Mr. Werner brings lots of energy to our school and in conclusion, we ALL think he deserves to be LFCU’s Teacher of the Year.”

Student

Nomination period has ended.

We will announce the winners before May 1st. Winners will be announced on our social media as well as on this landing page.

Nomination Form : Deadline: April 1, 2026.

Past Teacher of The Year Winners

2026

Winner: Nathan Carroll
Art
Forge Road Elementary / Pine Street Elementary

“Mr. Carroll is the most engaging and good spirited teacher my kids have had. He is always willing to go the extra mile to make the kids school year enriched and fun. I wish they were more Mr. Carrolls in our community.”
– Parent

“Nate is a super caring, compassionate teacher. He cares greatly for his students, other staff and his family! He always goes above and beyond and steps forward to helping out in any way he can. He makes learning Art so much fun and is able to grow a love for Art in his students! He is able to reach kids that seem to be unreachable! To me, he demonstrates every positive characteristic of an outstanding teacher and person!”
– Co worker

Runner Up: Matthew Werner
Librarian
Cedar Crest Middle School

“Mr Werner is respectful and keeps order in our school. He has a flawless balance of comedy and solemnness. Also, Mr. and Coach Werner participates in leading a lot of extracurricular activities such as cross country, film club, and morning announcements. He is someone we, as the students, can all talk to and we all feel comfortable around him. Mr. Werner brings lots of energy to our school and in conclusion, we ALL think he deserves to be LFCU’s Teacher of the Year.”
– Student

2025

Pictured: Kristen Hummer
STEM
Northern Lebanon Elementary School

“Mrs. Hummer goes above and beyond to help the student, staff and community to be a better version of themselves. Her selflessness shines through in everything she does. She is a prime example of a strong women in STEM showing all girls that women/girls can do anything.”
– Parent

Runner Up: Holly Hartman
12th Grade
ELCO High School

“Holly puts in countless hours to make sure her classroom runs smoothly and is the best learning environment for the students. She is also a coach and mentor to many students and athletes, and puts in crazy hours in order to help do these things.”
– Co-worker