As many of you are aware, we recently celebrated the incredible news that Mrs. Megan Johnson, 4th grade teacher at Central Elementary, was named the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year! If you haven't seen the video from the Indiana Department of Education, check it out here:
She is the first EVER Indiana Teacher of the Year from Plainfield Schools, we are so proud of Mrs. Johnson and grateful for the joy, talent, and passion she pours into her students each day. Like all of you, her impact extends far beyond her classroom, inspiring both her colleagues and our entire community.
Mrs. Johnson wanted to share a message with students, staff and the Plainfield community:
Being named the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year feels surreal. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, while still struggling to fully believe it's real. This honor belongs to the many people who have shaped my journey as an educator, and I am deeply humbled to accept it on behalf of our entire community.
Throughout this process, I've had the privilege of meeting and learning from remarkable educators across our state. The dedication and passion of my fellow finalists inspired me beyond measure. L.A. High and Marty Briggs, your passion for education is clear, as is the influence you've had on students who have passed through your classrooms. I look forward to working together over this next year to continue showcasing the impact of public education.
My husband Mike and our sons, Caden and Luke, have been my rock through it all. They've celebrated every milestone with me, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and made countless sacrifices so I could pursue this opportunity. The evenings spent preparing, the weekends dedicated to this process—none of it would have been possible without their love and support. Being your wife and mom remains my greatest joy, and I hope you know how much your belief in me means. I love you with all my heart.
I am forever grateful to my family who nurtured my love of learning and taught me the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. Their encouragement and guidance gave me the courage to become a teacher and to dream big.
The staff at Central Elementary and throughout Plainfield Schools amazes me every day. I have learned from the best—teachers and colleagues who have mentored me, challenged me, and walked alongside me through every season of my career. The collaborative culture and commitment to excellence in our district is truly special. I am thrilled to represent the fantastic educators of Plainfield Schools during my tenure as Indiana Teacher of the Year. Our schools are filled with passionate, innovative teachers who transform lives, and I cannot wait to share their stories and celebrate the incredible work happening in our classrooms across the state.
The support from parents and community members has been overwhelming. Your messages of encouragement, kind words, and genuine excitement have touched my heart in ways I cannot adequately express. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such strong advocates for public education. Your partnership makes everything we do possible.
This journey has reinforced something I've always believed: teaching is about people, relationships, and the power of community working together toward a common purpose. This recognition is for all of us—the families, educators, and community members who make Plainfield Schools such an extraordinary place.
As a way to document this journey and create a digital diary, I've created an Instagram account to share photos of people I meet, moments I experience, and to showcase the incredible things happening inside classrooms every day. Follow along with me: https://www.instagram.com/2026intoy/
I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about what lies ahead. Thank you for believing in me and for allowing me to represent our amazing district. Together, we will continue to inspire and uplift the next generation.
With deep gratitude and joy,
Megan Johnson
2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year