2026 Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year Honors Dinner

Join us on March 3 as we celebrate the exceptional dedication, talent, and impact of teachers across our region at the Mahoning Valley Educators of the Year Honors Dinner. This annual event recognizes the educators who go above and beyond to educate, mentor, and inspire the young people of the Mahoning Valley—both inside and outside the classroom.

Held at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles, the evening will shine a spotlight on outstanding educators whose commitment has helped shape generations of students.

Five special awards will be presented:

• Educator of the Year

• Secondary Educator of the Year – Honoring a teacher in grades seven through 12

• Early Educator of the Year – Recognizing a teacher in kindergarten through sixth grade

• Golden Educator of the Year – Celebrating a teacher with 20 or more years of service

• Young Educator of the Year – Honoring a teacher with 10 years of experience or less

Doors open: 4:30pm
Dinner: 5:00pm
Event begins: 6pm

This evening will bring together educators, community leaders, and supporters of public education to acknowledge excellence in teaching and lifelong commitment to students.

The Mahoning Valley Educators of the Year Honors Dinner was created by Josh MacMillan, a visual arts teacher at Hubbard High School with more than two decades of experience in education. His vision was to create a meaningful way to recognize the extraordinary educators who dedicate their careers to serving the children of our region. Since its inception, the honors dinner has become a respected tradition—celebrating not only professional achievement, but also the lasting influence teachers have on our community.