For a teacher, the respect of your students, their parents, and your colleagues is hard to top. For that reason, Plainfield's Teacher of the Year process includes nominations from staff, with the final selection committee made up of school and community stakeholders.

Due to COVID-19, Indiana's 2021 Teacher of the Year program was set aside, instead honoring all teachers throughout the state for their heroic efforts to pivot to online learning, practically overnight.

• 2024 Abigail Carter, Guilford

• 2024 Elaine Townsend, PHS

• 2023 Karisa Schwanekamp, Guilford

• 2023 Nathan Ellis, PCMS

• 2022 Liza Payton, PHS

• 2021 All Teachers

• 2020 Adam Ferguson, PHS

• 2019  Ann Mennonno, Clark Creek

• 2018  Brad DeHoff, PCMS

• 2017  Michelle Burress, PHS

• 2016  Jonelle Heaton, PHS

• 2015  Krissy Sullivan, Brentwood

• 2014  Susan Ament, PHS

• 2012  Natalie Boyer, Brentwood

• 2011  Andrea Birke, PHS

• 2010  Elizabeth Fisher, PCMS

• 2009  Judy Reed, Brentwood

• 2008  Chris Cavanaugh, PHS

• 2007  Joan Effinger, PCMS

• 2006  Susan Gabonay, Brentwood

• 2005  Teri Carpenter, PHS

• 2004  Larry Castor, PCMS

• 2003  Mary Winters, Van Buren

• 2002  Laurie Gatlin, PHS

• 2001  Jon Arvin, PCMS

• 2000  Teresa Walters, Van Buren

• 1999  Ray Saxman, PHS

• 1998  Martha Jennings, PCMS

• 1997  Nell Voelker, Van Buren

• 1996  Carol Kellogg, PHS

• 1995  Don Dones, PCMS

• 1994  John Chapin, Van Buren

• 1993  Jerry Hankins, PHS

• 1992  Kathy Owen, PCMS

• 1991  Pat Lilly, Brentwood

• 1990  Bruce Milburn, PHS

Standards and expectations for teachers are high in Plainfield. We work diligently to hire the best teachers possible, making sure that the students in this district are getting the best -- every year. Rigorous standards make sure that there isn't a doubt that the Plainfield Teacher of the Year is truly an outstanding educator.

We have two Teacher of the Year recipients--one at the Elementary level and one at the Secondary level.

Sweeping into the classroom dressed as a scientist, Mrs. Dayna Cade sets the stage for learning from the very beginning of the day. In her 1st Grade classroom at Clarks Creek, students can’t help but be excited by her infectious enthusiasm. Her classroom is a lively hub where students are encouraged to dress up to match her exciting outfits for the day’s theme, while embracing their natural curiosities. Much like a solar flare, Mrs. Cade is a vibrant burst of energy, engaging students and fostering a love of learning. For over two decades, she has crafted engaging lessons and experiences that seamlessly weave together STEM and reading, reinforcing them like bricks being laid. Each day, she brings a splash of color and creativity, ensuring that every child who steps into her room embarks on an unforgettable educational journey filled with excitement and pure joy.

In Mrs. Ryann Mills’ classroom, a symphony of languages and cultures fills the air with warmth and curiosity. It’s not uncommon to hear Welcome!  ¡Bienvenidos!  Bienvenu!  Akeyi! and more as you walk past her door. Juggling between teaching Spanish and working with our multilingual students, Mrs. Mills is able to pivot quickly to meet individual student needs.  Mrs. Mills helps guide her multilingual students through learning the English language and navigating American life. With a diverse group of students from across the globe, Mrs. Mills builds bridges of understanding and connection, nurturing newcomers and fostering a supportive environment where learning can flourish. Her classroom is a vibrant mosaic of languages and smiles, embodying the spirit of joy and educational excellence.

These two exceptional educators' passion and dedication shine through inside and outside their classrooms, illuminating Plainfield with their unwavering commitment to joyful teaching and learning. We are delighted and honored to have such remarkable teachers shaping the minds and hearts of our students in Plainfield!

Mrs. Cade and Mrs. Mills, we are so proud of you!