2025 Crystal Apple Award Winners


Over 500 nominations describing outstanding teachers poured in, and thousands of votes were cast. Now, the time has come to reveal the winners of our 11th Annual Crystal Apple Awards.

Every year, School Specialty invites educators and school communities to nominate deserving teachers who embody our key contest criteria of inspiration, leadership, and passion. This year’s nominees were all truly inspiring and deserving of this honor!

This year’s nominees bridged all areas of education. We had 71 art and music teachers, 45 special education teachers, 41 math teachers, 25 science and technology teachers, 12 literacy and language arts teachers, 8 computer and technology teachers, 5 history teachers, and 202 who teach multiple subjects and many more. Wow!!

We selected 16 finalists and invited you to vote for the top 5 winners. Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations and voted. More importantly, thank you to all the teachers who inspire students and their communities daily with their passion and dedication.

Here are the 5 Amazing Winners!

Congratulations to our five winners! Each winner receives a Crystal Apple trophy, a $500 School Specialty merchandise certificate, and a $250 School Specialty merchandise certificate for their school.

Dan Schmidt
North Harrison Middle School
Ramsey, IN
Mindi Maturin
Brabham Middle School
Willis, TX
Michelle Krehl
The Nurtury
Sherman Oaks, CA
Amy Moran
Edward R. Martin Middle School
East Providence, RI
Sophia Hedrington Dothan City Early Education Center Dothan, AL

Congrats to all the amazing finalists!

The remaining 11 finalists receive a Finalist Certificate, a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate, and a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for their school.

Andria Devlin
Lauren Finizia
Amina Khan
Andy Yung
Erin Merrill
Jenn McElveen
Cecelia Gillam
Donna Clark
Priscilla Sanchez
Amy Klein
Tanna Nicely



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