Park City teacher earns spot among Utah’s Top Five Educators of 2026

Photo: PCEF/Amber Schiavone Photography

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City High School educator Joanna Andres is one of five teachers statewide selected as a finalist for the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year award, the Utah State Board of Education announced.

Andres, who teaches social studies, moves on to the final round of the selection process after a review of nominations from across Utah. Last school year, she became the first teacher at Park City High to receive both the staff-voted Excellent Educator Award and the Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award, chosen by the senior class.

Dubbed the “Fab Five,” the finalists represent what the state board called the pinnacle of teaching excellence. Alongside Andres are Aaron Andersen, Skyridge High School (Chinese and AP U.S. History); Markay Anderson, Ashley Elementary (elementary education); Dr. Joseph Kozlowski, Edith Bowen Laboratory School (second grade); and Aston “Rai” Pattison, Kearns Junior High (special education).

In the coming weeks, the finalists will participate in intensive professional learning before meeting with a 15-member selection committee comprising State Board representatives, Utah Education Association leaders, and other education and community stakeholders. The 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year will be announced Sept. 4, 2025. The winner will go on to represent Utah in the National Teacher of the Year program.

“Each year, I am humbled by the caliber of educators in our state, and this year is no exception,” said Katie Jones, Utah Teacher of the Year coordinator. “These five finalists exemplify the heart and soul of education in Utah. They are master teachers who not only deliver exceptional instruction but also create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

For Andres, the recognition marks yet another milestone in a career already celebrated by colleagues and students in Park City.