The 2025 Teacher of the Year program honors excellence in teaching around the State of Wyoming.

Morgan
Hahn

Morgan Hahn, a high school social studies teacher at Lander Valley High School, has been named the 2025 Wyoming Teacher of the Year

Morgan Hahn is a Social Studies teacher at Lander Valley High School in Lander, Wyoming, where she teaches Advanced Placement Psychology, Advanced Placement American History, World History One, and American History to 9th, 11th, and 12th graders. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s Degree in American History and Government with a specialization in teaching the Constitution from Ashland University.

Morgan is also a James Madison Fellow. Through this prestigious program, she completed part of her Master’s Degree at the intensive James Madison Summer Institute at Georgetown University. This award opened new pathways for Morgan, and she is committed to creating similar opportunities for her students. As Wyoming’s 2021 James Madison Fellow, she is especially proud to empower every student to embrace their story, their voice, and their potential to make a positive impact in their communities.

Morgan is at the forefront of developing Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) practices within her district for both students and staff. She views A.I. as a tool to enrich her teaching practice, better serve her students, and bridge gaps in opportunity. She believes in using every tool at her disposal to facilitate high levels of learning for every student, every day. She collaborates closely with her Instructional Facilitator to help teachers integrate A.I. into their teaching. In an era of educational challenges, including staff shortages and high burnout, Morgan strives to be a positive force by helping teachers rediscover their passion for teaching through technological tools.

As Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Hahn will represent the teaching profession in Wyoming and be a spokesperson for education. She will also attend state and national education events and conferences. In addition, he will be a liaison between the teaching community, the Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Department of Education, districts, and communities.

“Morgan Hahn is an exceptional leader, educator, coach, as well as an inspiring advisor for both Student Council and Close Up. Her great involvement in our school comes from her deep commitment to students and unwavering dedication to meet their diverse needs. Morgan’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom, as she consistently leverages her professional development and pedagogical expertise to collaborate with colleagues, ensuring enhanced student learning and experiences throughout our school. I am confident that she will continue to represent Lander Valley High School — and now the entire state of Wyoming — with distinction. Morgan will be a strong advocate, promoting the outstanding achievements happening within Wyoming’s public education system. Our state is truly a national leader in many areas, and Mrs. Hahn, a product of this remarkable educational system, is now contributing to its continued and improved success!”

– Brad Neuendorf (Lander Valley High School Principal)

  1. What does it mean to be the 2025 Wyoming Teacher of the Year?
    Being the 2025 Wyoming Teacher of the Year is truly an honor and a career highlight! I am humbled to be selected. As someone who grew up in Wyoming, I was deeply impacted by many excellent teachers and now get to work among talented, dedicated educators, all of whom are having a positive impact on students today. It means the world to me to be selected for this role and to represent education in my home state.
  1. Why does education matter?
    Education matters because we are preparing students for a world that doesn’t exist yet. Across party lines, backgrounds, and beliefs, we can all agree that kids are our future, even if we are unsure of what the future holds. We all have a role to play in our communities to support kids and be part of their success stories, and education plays a vital role in preparing students to be ready for any path they choose.
  1. Describe what you take away from teaching that is so valuable to you.
    I always knew that education was my calling, so it’s very impactful to me when I see students reach their goals because I know I have a role in supporting them along their journey. The takeaway from these moments is a confirmation of my calling. These moments also instill confidence in the future, as these students are the ones who will shape it. While we all play a role in supporting them, it is ultimately the students who will one day take the lead. Each day, they prove themselves capable and ready to rise to the challenge with their innovation, sense of community, and willingness to learn. This deeply inspires me and motivates me to work diligently in providing the support and preparation they need to succeed in the future.

The successful candidate who will serve as the Wyoming Teacher of the Year (WTOY) must maintain his/her current employment position. If the WTOY is selected as the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY), they will be released from classroom responsibilities during the year of national recognition.

Being named WTOY comes with the significant responsibility of representing the teaching profession in Wyoming.

  • A liaison between the teaching community, Wyoming Legislature, Wyoming Department of Education, districts and communities.
  • An education ambassador to businesses, parents, service organizations, and media.
  • A resource on the state of the profession; to be available for workshops and conferences around the state.
  • An education leader involved in teacher forums and education reform.
  • The WTOY is also expected to attend both state and national events such as education meetings, conferences, and workshops.

The WTOY will be requested to attend many events and make speeches during the year, they must be poised, articulate, and have the energy to withstand a busy schedule. The WTOY automatically becomes the nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program, which is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

At the end of each school year, every Wyoming district is encouraged to select a District Teacher of the Year (DTOY). From that pool, we encourage the DTOYs to apply for an opportunity to be named the Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

All applications received by the deadline (June 27th) will go to the WDE selection panel for review. This Application Information Document provides more information about the WTOY selection process.

Scoring of each application will be based on the TOY Rubric. The selection panel will individually score each application. The TOY Coordinator will compile all scores to have the top three applications become finalists.

The finalists will also be scheduled for virtual interviews where the entire selection panel will ask finalists questions about their teaching style and practices. The questions for this interview will NOT be given out ahead of time. In addition, the finalists will be asked to give a 5-7 minute keynote addressing their platform topic.

The selection panel will score both the finalist keynotes and interviews individually. Again, scores will be combined to select the WTOY. If there is a tie, the selection panel will meet to discuss and select a recommendation for final approval by the State Superintendent.

A document with suggestions for submitting your application can be found here.

  • 2024 John Corbin, Cody High School
  • 2023 Zach Beam, Newcastle High School
  • 2022 Brittney Montgomery, Harrison Elementary School
  • 2021 Alexis Barney, Evansville Elementary School
  • 2020 Dane Weaver, Tensleep School
  • 2019 Valerie Bruce, Rozet Elementary
  • 2018 Sara Reed, Hillcrest Elementary
  • 2017 Ryan Fuhrman, Sheridan Junior High School
  • 2016 Amy Pierson, Cloud Peak Elementary
  • 2015 Tyler Bartlett, Newcastle Middle School
  • 2014 Mick Wiest, Fort Mackenzie
  • 2013 Laura Drake, Goins Elementary
  • 2012 Hebert “Brent” Daly, Campbell County High School
  • 2011 Laurie Graves, Big Horn Elementary
  • 2010 Christina Mills, Lingle-Ft. Laramie High School
  • 2009 Alice King, Campbell County High School
  • 2008 Eileen Johnson, Indian Paintbrush Elementary
  • 2007 Mark Nethercott, Star Valley High School
  • 2006 Carol Kirkwood, Laramie High School
  • 2005 Debi Gaines, Saratoga Elementary
  • 2004 Jack Patrick, Saratoga High School
  • 2003 Eric Stemle, Evanston High School
  • 2002 Marcia Patton, Kelly Walsh High School
  • 2001 Cindy Gulisano, Lingle-Ft. Laramie Elementary School
  • 2000 Bernie Schnorenberg, Sundance Elementary School
  • 1999 June Vialpando Moore, Beitel Elementary School
  • 1998 Mary Ellen Krisko, Worland Middle School
  • 1997 Kevin Tennant, Campbell County High School
  • 1996 Pamela Moore, Aspen Elementary School
  • 1995 Joan Brummond, Afflerbach Elementary School
  • 1994 Sharon Yovich, Thayer Elementary School
  • 1993 Judith McBride, Slade Elementary School
  • 1992 Joan Marie, Barker Green River High School
  • 1991 Bette Sample, Gertrude Burns Elementary School
  • 1990 Rod Laird, Saratoga Elementary & Middle School
  • 1989 Mark Levitt, Green River High School
  • 1988 Janice Truchot, Sundance Elementary School
  • 1987 Lois Distad, Bar Nunn Elementary School
  • 1986 Mercine Miller, Tongue River Elementary School
  • 1985 Robert Meredith, Shoshoni High School
  • 1984 Charlotte Levendosky, Crest Hill Elementary School
  • 1983 Ann Tollefson, Natrona County High School
  • 1982 Robert Hilgenfeld, East Junior High School
  • 1981 Lois Sackman, Riverton High School
  • 1980 Elizabeth Shelton, Big Horn High School
  • 1979 Mignon Hill, Laramie Elementary Schools
  • 1978 Steve Campbell, Ashgrove Elementary School
  • 1977 Jeanne Curran, Rock Springs East Junior High School
  • 1976 Rosaleee Ammons, Osage Elementary School
  • 1975 Margaret Mecca, Hot Springs County High School
  • 1974 Maxine Torbert, Sheridan High School
  • 1973 Helen Meldrum, Buffalo High School
  • 1972 Margaret Blacker, Laramie High School
  • 1971 William Malloy, Thermopolis Elementary & Junior High School
  • 1970 Janette Plott, Central Junior High School, Sheridan WY
  • 1969 Karl Allen, Hot Springs County High School
  • 1968 Helen Kienlan, Elementary
  • 1967 Ann Halseth, Yellow Tone School, Rocksprings
  • 1966 Pearl Bader, Ten Sleep Elementary School
  • 1965 Lawrence Bays, Wheatland High School
  • 1964 Letha Dickinson, Riverton Elementary School
Contact
Madison Lacey

Teacher Leadership & Awards Consultant

Educators