Thursday, November 6, 2025
Do you know a teacher who is remarkable in the classroom? NOW is the time to make your move and nominate them for a Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship award! Nominations close on November 11th.
The Kohl Foundation's mission is to empower teachers by helping them achieve their goals, whether for their classrooms or professional growth The foundation generously supports this exciting award to celebrate and support outstanding Wisconsin educators who demonstrate excellence and innovation.
Each year, 100 Wisconsin educators are selected as Herb Kohl Fellowship recipients. Each educator receives a one-time $6,000 award and their respective school receives a matching grant intended to enhance learning opportunities.
Public school recipients of the award are automatically entered into the running to become a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Five Teachers of the Year are chosen annually by a state selection committee, with one teacher moving on to become Wisconsin’s nominee to the National Teacher of the Year program.
Here’s what you need to know about the process:
- Nomination Process – Nominate here
- Teachers must be nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, community members, or administrators.
- Once nominated, teachers receive email notification, including a link to begin the online application process.
- Application Process – Application guidance
- To support evaluation, each applicant must secure three letters of recommendation. Letters should come from three sources: (1) Faculty member or teacher; (2) Parent or community member; and (3) Current or former student, faculty member, teacher, parent or community member.
- Applications are first reviewed regionally. Teachers are notified via email whether or not they have progressed to the Statewide Selection Committee.
- The State Selection Committee begins reviewing applications in February. Applicants in the Statewide Selection process are notified early March – late April with the results.
For more information about the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Awards, including eligibility and restrictions, the teacher scoring rubric, and an FAQ sheet, visit the foundation's website.