Fellows in the News, January 2026

We’re proud to celebrate the extraordinary educators in our Fund for Teachers community. Beyond designing bold, student-centered learning through their fellowships, many FFT Fellows continue to be recognized for their leadership and impact—earning honors such as Teacher of the Year, securing competitive grants, and being recognized by their districts and communities. The accomplishments below reflect not only individual excellence, but the collective power of educators who are trusted to learn, lead, and inspire.

Congratulations to these FFT Fellows making headlines:

Kate Van Haren, named a 2026 PBS Learning Media Teacher Ambassador who, with 12 peers, will help bring history, civics, and media literacy to life for students across the country in celebration of our nation’s semi-quincentennial.

Peggy Weinhoeft-Renfro highlighted in the article “Douglas Byrd Educator Shares Classroom Lessons From 2,500-Mile Climate Fellowship: A high school teacher reflects on exploring climate, energy, and systems thinking—and how these lessons shape student learning back home.”

Mirta Valdes-Bradner, recognized by The Educator’s Room as a member of its second cohort of the Top 50 Educators, a prestigious recognition honoring outstanding educators who are redefining teaching, learning, and leadership in schools and communities across the globe.

And Prince Johnson, 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year.

FFT Fellows, please email us at info@fundforteachers.org with your news so we can recognize you, as well!