Sarah Hardin, a high school science teacher with Mullen Public Schools, is the 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. Sept. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

MULLEN, Neb. — Former banker Sarah Hardin took a nontraditional path to becoming a teacher in Mullen, beginning in 2007, where she has taught science, math, agriculture and physical education.

On Monday, the Nebraska Department of Education honored the Mullen High School science teacher as the 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.

Hardin told reporters she was “shocked” when she was nominated, “shocked” when she was named one of four finalists and “even more surprised today,” when the Education Department surprised her in her Sandhills classroom with the honor.

“I know there’s some amazing educators, even in our building, and s

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