Teachers of Tomorrow, the nation’s largest alternative teacher certification program, has announced that a third-grade teacher from the Washoe County School District has been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year.
The teacher was previously honored as the Nevada Teacher of the Year through the same program.
Before entering the classroom, she worked in child protective services.
“Ultimately, my goal is to not only improve as an educator but also to create a lasting impact on my students by equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed,” Makenzie Caufield said.
Each state Teacher of the Year received $500 for classroom supplies and professional development and was considered a finalist for the national honor, which was determined through a public vote held in April.
As the national winner, Caufield will receive $5,000, which she plans to use for professional development courses and hands-on learning resources for her students.
Teachers of Tomorrow has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to aspiring teachers over the past 20 years.
The organization began awarding Teacher of the Year prizes in 2017 and has given a total of $60,000 to recipients since then.
