Discovery Education Honors Educators Turning Opportunity into Progress 2026 Discovery Education Award Winners
The third annual awards honor districts, schools, and teachers who are driving meaningful student engagement and academic growth through innovative instruction.
Charlotte, NC (Monday, May 4, 2026) — Discovery Education today announced the recipients of its third annual Discovery Education Awards, which recognize districts, schools, and educators who are redefining what effective teaching and learning looks like in today’s classrooms.
As a trusted partner supporting the teaching and learning of nearly half of US K-12 schools, Discovery Education established these awards to honor educational leaders who are addressing educational challenges through innovative, student-centered instruction. Award recipients are selected through a nationally competitive nomination and application process that evaluates evidence of academic growth and the effective use of instructional solutions to meet the changing needs of students.
At a time when educators are being asked to improve outcomes while educating students despite resource constraints and student attention gaps, the 2026 honorees show how thoughtful design and real-world relevance translate into measurable impact. Together, this year’s winners come from eight states and share a commitment to creating learning experiences that are results-oriented and relevant. The recipients of the 2026 Discovery Education awards are:
Districts of the Year
- Barbers Hill Independent School District – Texas
- Waterford School District – Michigan
- Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School – Pennsylvania
Yearly Schools
- Alexander D. Henderson University School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida
- Alternative Ways Training School – Virginia
- Armwood High School, Hillsborough County Public Schools – Florida
- Checotah Intermediate School, Checotah School District – Oklahoma
- Florida Atlantic University High School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida
- Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Woodbridge School District – Delaware
Teachers of the Year
- Dr. Amber Dumbuya, School of Arts in Education – Georgia
- Milton Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Public Schools – Florida
- Mayank Handa, Arizona Autism Charter Schools – Arizona
- Melissa Myer, Lancaster-Lebanon Middle Unit 13 – Pennsylvania
- Holly Thomas, Burke County Public Schools – North Carolina
- Samantha Westerlind, Cherokee County School District – Georgia
“The recipients of the 2026 Discovery Education Awards represent what is possible when K-12 learning is based on purpose and impact,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Across districts and classrooms across the country, this year’s honorees demonstrate that when education is relevant, robust, and connected to the real world, engagement deepens and academic growth follows. We created these awards to recognize that commitment, and we applaud the way this group of leaders and teachers turn student power into progress every day.”
Learn more about the 2026 Discovery Education award recipients at www.discoveryeducation.com/de-awards.
###
About Adoption Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader with innovative solutions that empower educators and improve student learning. Discovery Education solutions have served more than 100 million students worldwide, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of US K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, content aligned to the highest standards, and AI-powered teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and work-related learning, including instructionally aligned content developed in one-on-one collaboration with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance to every subject. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contacts
Ali Koper
Adoption Education
Akoper@discoveryed.com
