In Plainfield, our dedication to educational excellence is unwavering. Each year, we proudly recognize outstanding educators who embody our mission of bringing joy to learning. For 2026, we are thrilled to honor two exceptional teachers whose passion, innovation, and commitment have profoundly impacted their students and the broader school community.
Mrs. Megan Johnson – Elementary Teacher of the Year
With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Mrs. Megan Johnson has become a cornerstone of innovation and inspiration at Central Elementary. Her classroom is a dynamic environment where students are encouraged to explore, create, and think critically.
Mrs. Johnson's dedication to integrating technology into her teaching is evident through her initiatives like the "Design Thinking with 3D Printers and Novels" project. In this endeavor, students read the novel Holes and then used design thinking principles to create tools for digging holes, bridging literature and STEM in a tangible way.
Understanding the importance of real-world connections, she organized the "Famous Olympic Hoosier Wax Museum," where students researched Indiana Olympians and Paralympians, conducted interviews, and even utilized AI to engage with athletes who couldn't attend in person.
Beyond academics, Mrs. Johnson fosters a sense of community and empathy. She spearheaded a hygiene supply drive, assembling kits for over 60 families in need, demonstrating her commitment to student well-being both inside and outside the classroom.
Mrs. Lauren Bloom – Secondary Teacher of the Year
In Plainfield Schools, Mrs. Lauren Bloom has dedicated 12 years to teaching Family and Consumer Sciences, turning her classroom into a hub of practical learning and personal growth. At PHS since 2022, her passion for education is matched by her commitment to preparing students for real-life challenges.
Mrs. Bloom emphasizes the development of essential life skills, ensuring that her students are equipped to navigate adulthood with confidence. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication have not gone unnoticed. For the past two years, she has partnered with first grade classes at Clarks Creek to bring students’ “squishmallow” designs to life! This year, her students not only constructed replicas of the designs, but also used BookCreator to write a story about the creature’s adventures!
Colleagues, students, and administrators alike praise Mrs. Bloom for her leadership and collaborative spirit–she was even featured in a video by PHS Broadcasting! She has presented to her fellow staff at QuakerCon on the unique projects that she brings to life in her classroom. Along with coaching tennis at PCMS, she also serves as the Family and Consumer Sciences department chair, and is a member of the Quaker Connections Committee.
Both Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Bloom exemplify the qualities of outstanding educators. Their innovative approaches to teaching, dedication to student success, and contributions to the school community make them fantastic representatives of Plainfield Schools. As they prepare to complete the comprehensive application for the Indiana Department of Education’s prestigious Teacher of the Year program, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and support.
We are extremely proud to have such remarkable teachers shaping the minds and hearts of our students in Plainfield.