Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year Award
Description:
The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year (TOY) is an annual recognition of an exemplary educator serving as a voice celebrating and representing all teachers. Each year, one PreK-12 teacher is selected based upon the content of the application, letters of support, observation of instruction, and an interview by the Selection Committee. The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year award winner will submit an application to the California State Teacher of the Year competition.
The TOY is an excellent instructional leader and an effective communicator regarding the issues and challenges confronting teachers today. The TOY is an advocate and representative for the entire educational community. This individual represents teachers at educational forums and is called upon to speak at local service clubs and/or educational events.
The Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors an educator can receive. Within our county we have many outstanding teachers who qualify for this special recognition. Districts are encouraged to nominate a single individual that reflects the diverse make-up of the student population and models outstanding instructional practices. Teachers may also self-nominate.
Timeline:
December 5, 2025- District nominations are due.
January 9, 2026- All Teacher of the Year applications are due.
February 24, 2026- Finalists are determined and notified.
March - April, 2026- Finalists are observed and interviewed by the selection committee.
April 30, 2026- Winner is notified, though results are embargoed until May 7, 2026.
May, 2026- Winner is formally announced at SBCEO Board Meeting.
Nomination Process:
• Teachers may be nominated by their district, charter school, or self-nominate.
• Each district/charter school is invited to submit their nominee. Districts/charter schools determine their own method of choosing their nominee.
• District, charter school, and self-nominated teachers complete the application in winter.
Eligibility:
• Current & Valid California Teaching Credential for grades Pre-kindergarten-12.
• More than 8 full years of classroom teaching experience.
• Currently assigned to a PreK-12 classroom. Some administrative duties are acceptable, but teaching is the primary responsibility.
• Have demonstrated leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom thus embodying lifelong learning.
• If selected, must be available to fulfill occasional ambassadorial duties during the year as SB County TOY, appear at two different celebration events, and serve on the TOY Selection Committee.
*NOTE: State requirements are subject to change and may affect the candidate’s eligibility for California State Teacher of the Year.
Application: This year's application window has now closed. Check back Fall, 2026.
Selection:
A selection committee of administrators, business and community partners, and a previous Teacher of the Year completed an initial screening of the applications. Finalists will be interviewed and observed in the classroom.
The Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year:
• Will be recognized at the Education Celebration, and A Salute to Teachers recognition events.
• May be interviewed and filmed for promotional purposes.
• Will be asked to speak at local service and educational events.
• Will serve on the 2028 TOY Selection Committee.
• Will have the privilege of being SB County's sole applicant for the California State Teacher of the Year award.
Meet the Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year Award Winners HERE.