Third annual awards honor districts, schools, and educators driving meaningful student engagement and academic growth through innovative instruction.
Charlotte, NC (Monday, May 4, 2026) — Discovery Education today announced the recipients of its third annual Discovery Education Awards, recognizing districts, schools, and educators who are redefining what impactful teaching and learning look like in today’s classrooms.
As a trusted partner supporting teaching and learning in nearly half of U.S. K-12 schools, Discovery Education established these awards to elevate education leaders addressing education challenges through innovative, student-centered instruction. Award recipients were selected through a competitive national nomination and application process that evaluates evidence of academic growth and the effective use of instructional solutions to meet the evolving needs of students.
At a time when educators are being asked to improve outcomes while engaging learners despite resource constraints and student attention gaps, the 2026 honorees demonstrate how thoughtful design and real-world relevance translate into measurable impact. Together, this year’s winners span eight states and share a commitment to creating learning experiences that are results-focused and relevant. The 2026 Discovery Education Awards recipients are:
Districts of the Year
- Barbers Hill Independent School District – Texas
- Waterford School District – Michigan
- Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School – Pennsylvania
Schools of the Year
- Alexander D. Henderson University School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida
- Alternative Paths Training School – Virginia
- Armwood High School, Hillsborough County Public Schools – Florida
- Checotah Intermediate School, Checotah School District – Oklahoma
- Florida Atlantic University High School, FAU Lab Schools – Florida
- Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Woodbridge School District – Delaware
Educators of the Year
- Dr. Amber Dumbuya, School for Arts Infused Learning – Georgia
- Milton Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Public Schools – Florida
- Mayank Handa, Arizona Autism Charter Schools – Arizona
- Melissa Myer, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 – Pennsylvania
- Holly Thomas, Burke County Public Schools – North Carolina
- Samantha Westerlind, Cherokee County School District – Georgia
“The recipients of the 2026 Discovery Education Awards represent what’s possible when K-12 learning is grounded in intention and impact,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Across districts and classrooms nationwide, this year’s honorees demonstrate that when instruction is relevant, rigorous, and connected to the real world, engagement deepens and academic growth follows. We established these awards to recognize that commitment, and we applaud how this cohort of leaders and educators turns student potential into progress every day.”
Learn more about the 2026 Discovery Education Awards recipients at www.discoveryeducation.com/de-awards.
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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and advance student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally-aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contacts
Ali Koper
Discovery Education
Akoper@discoveryed.com
Sean Swanson 2026-05-04 09:04:05
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