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Stephanie Fritz named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year highlights literacy, MTSS and teacher leadership
Summary
Stephanie Fritz, a 23‑year educator and K–12 instructional coach from Sheldon, Iowa, was presented as the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year and outlined plans to promote evidence‑based literacy, MTSS and teacher professional learning statewide.
The State Board of Education welcomed Stephanie Fritz, the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year, who described her 23‑year career as a classroom teacher and instructional coach and laid out priorities for the year ahead.
Fritz, from Sheldon, Iowa, emphasized literacy and evidence‑based instruction as central to her work. She told the board she completed LETRS training and coaches teachers across K–12. "I'm a literacy person... I analyze data, and I use that data to help guide the next steps we're going to make or the decisions we're going to make," Fritz said, describing how data and high‑quality materials drove improvements that turned a previously targeted elementary school into a Blue Ribbon campus.
Fritz said her statewide priorities include promoting multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS), advocating for data‑informed decision making, supporting teacher leadership and lifting the profession by sharing successful practices across districts.
Board members praised Fritz's focus on relationships, coaching and systemwide improvement and asked about travel support and implementation logistics; the department indicated travel and support plans are in development and that districts typically assist with local logistics.
Why it matters A Teacher of the Year serves as a statewide advocate and connector for classroom practices. Fritz's emphasis on literacy, MTSS and coaching aligns with the department's statewide professional learning priorities and the LETRS rollout.
What’s next Fritz will serve as an ambassador for high‑quality instructional materials and teacher leadership; the department and her district will finalize supports for statewide travel and engagements.
