SHELDON, Iowa — A Northwest Iowa educator received the state’s highest teaching honor during a surprise assembly at Sheldon High School.

Governor Kim Reynolds honored Stephanie Pritts, a veteran elementary teacher and instructional coach, with the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year award. Pritts was selected from nine finalists recognized as Iowa’s regional teachers of the year.

She stood out with her commitment to supporting both student success and teacher development, and through using data-based strategies to ensure instructional effectiveness.

Pritts will now serve as an ambassador to schools, higher education, and communities across the state.

“I thrive off of collaborating with other school districts, so I look forward to not only helping support those school districts, but I look fo

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