MILWAUKEE — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards, honoring exceptional Wisconsin PK–12 educators and school leaders. Nominations can be submitted online at www.kohleducation.org.
- Principal nomination deadline: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT
- Teacher nomination deadline: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT
Each award recipient will receive $6,000, and their school will also receive a matching $6,000
grant.
Since its founding in 1990, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded more than $40 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools. Each year, the Foundation honors 100 Teacher Fellowships and up to 16 Principal Leadership Awards statewide.
To be considered, nominees must:
- Be currently teaching or serving as principal in a Wisconsin PK–12 school
- Plan to continue in their current role for at least one more year
- Be nominated by a parent, student, fellow educator, school administrator, or community
member
The Teacher Fellowship recognizes educators who inspire a love of learning, motivate others, and demonstrate exemplary service in and beyond the classroom. The Principal Leadership Award honors school leaders who demonstrate outstanding administrative skill and foster a positive, collaborative school culture.
Following nomination, candidates must complete an application. Recipients are selected by a statewide panel of representatives from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, cooperative educational service agencies, education associations, and community leaders.
The Fellowship and Leadership programs are co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the state’s 12 Cooperative Educational Service Agencies.
Submit nominations today at: www.kohleducation.org
