2026 Montana Teacher of the Year Finalists

Superintendent Hedalen congratulates the four finalists for the 2026 Montana Teacher of the Year award. The top finalist will represent Montana during the 2026 National Teacher of the Year Program in Washington, D.C. 

• Elliot Cross Laurel Public Schools 6^th-12^th grade band.
• Jeffrey Ruffcorn Gallatin High School 9th-12th grade band.
• Kortney Douma 9th-12th grade Family and Consumer Science Teacher and dual enrollment instructor for Montana State and Gallatin College.
• Marci Burd Bullshoe Elementary School Kindergarten and first grade teacher.

The National Teacher of the Year Program provides professional learning and development to increase teachers’ leadership skills. The program focuses on bringing attention to the importance of excellence in teaching.