iHeartRadio’s Thank a Teacher, Powered by DonorsChoose

By DonorsChoose

60,000 teachers, 850 radio stations, $50,000 in gift cards, and 10 final winners: iHeartRadio and DonorsChoose teamed up to thank teachers in a big way, and now the second wave of winners are here!

For more than a decade, iHeartRadio has partnered with DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit that empowers U.S. public school educators to request the classroom supplies they need to educate their students. In July 2025, they launched the Thank a Teacher contest, reaching over 160 radio markets to ask listeners to nominate their favorite teacher for a chance to be celebrated on-air and transform their classrooms with a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card.

"iHeartRadio's Thank a Teacher is making sure that educators feel appreciated for going the extra mile," said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, at the partnership launch, "especially as they work hard to get students what they need to kick off a new school year."

"iHeartRadio's Thank a Teacher aims to shine a light on the quiet and positive work happening in classrooms across the country and to offer a very public thank you to the teachers who are doing so much,” said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia.

Over the course of the 2025-26 school year, more than 60,000 teachers were nominated across all 50 states. iHeartMedia donated $500,000 worth of public service announcements to highlight the mission of DonorsChoose, encouraging listeners to directly invest in the success of their local public schools through www.DonorsChoose.org. In September, DonorsChoose randomly selected the first 5 winners to each win $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards. Now, in February 2026, the last 5 winners are here, and we can't wait to introduce you to them.

Keep up the support for teachers! Use promo code THANKATEACHER and find a local teacher to support – and DonorsChoose will double your donation!

September 2025 Winners

Robert Brightbill

Building Construction Technology Instructor for 9th-12th Graders at Dauphin County Technical School, Harrisburg, PA

"Mr. Brightbill is extremely knowledgeable in his field. Not only does he share his knowledge with his students, but he also instills giving and compassion in his students, teaching them to give back and pay it forward. He is very active at the school as well as in the community. He has the knowledge, skills, and compassion. He's just a great man and very deserving individual."

Catherine Burke

5th Grade Math & Science Teacher at Gene Witt Elementary School, Bradenton, FL

"Ms. Burke is amazing. She is always willing to help anyone and teaches students at their pace to ensure they understand the lesson. She volunteers to tutor students after school who need additional help – free of charge. She also attends the monthly School Advisory Council and PTO meetings to stay involved and provide her opinion from the teacher point of view."

Beata Karczewski

9th Grade Science Teacher at Southeast Career Technical Academy, Las Vegas, NV

"Ms. Karczewski recently moved to Southeast Career Technical Academy from Bob Miller Middle School. She is an exceptional science teacher who truly loves sharing her passion for science with her students. She has been a Science Olympiad coach for many years and mentored students who have achieved multiple awards for the Science Olympiad state competition in Nevada. She spends endless hours on the weekend and will make multiple trips to the hardware store to help students succeed in their events. She is an outstanding mentor and colleague!"

Tiffany Lancaster

Pre-K Special Education Teacher at Plummer Elementary, Washington, DC

"Mrs. Lancaster is an exceptional teacher. She uses her own money to provide a calm and entertaining area for her students. She treats each child like they're her own. She is a lifesaver in her community."

Kimberly Yonts

3rd Grade Teacher at Kirkwood Elementary, Clarksville, TN

"Mrs. Yonts loves all of her students. She makes every effort to ensure all of her students reach their full potential. Most importantly, she runs her classroom with love, respect and discipline. Because of this, her students perform really well. Parents love her. She is one of the most requested teachers by parents and fellow teachers. This is why I nominate Mrs. Kimberly Yonts. She deserves it."

February 2026 Winners

Lisa Elkhay

2nd Grade Teacher at Brightwood Elementary School, Springfield, MA

“Mrs. Elkhay sincerely cares about all of her students. She differentiates and accommodates to meet the needs of all of her students. She is a leader on her second grade team as the veteran teacher. She also participates in afterschool activities with her students, such as being a Girls on the Run coach for girls in grades 3-5 and being a basketball coach for students in grades 5 and 6. She is a truly dedicated teacher that deserves recognition for all of her work throughout her teaching career.”

Kathy Kaze

1st Grade Teacher at Leman Academy of Excellence, Parker, CO

“There is none better! Ms. Kaze cares deeply about each of her scholars, going above and beyond to provide them with what they need. She is a fabulous team member, too!”

Michelle Kelley

9th-12th Grade Life Skills Teacher at Mesquite High School, Mesquite, TX

“Ms. Kelley teaches high school special education. She has the patience of a saint. She cares about all of her students as if they were her own. Not only is she great with her students, she’s fantastic with communicating with their parents. I don’t know how she does it!”

Courtney Sem

Kindergarten Teacher at Stanley Public School, Stanley, ND

“Her childhood dream was to be a kindergarten teacher. She makes an everlasting positive impact on all of the young lives that she teaches. She taught for 8 years, took a break for maternity leave, and got the opportunity to start teaching again in Stanley.”

Lynda Worthington

Intervention Specialist at Open Door School, Coal Grove, OH

“Ms. Worthington is a truly amazing teacher! She is the first to volunteer to help any of her co-workers. Her students love her so much. She goes above and beyond for them. Lynda is constantly trying to find new approaches to help her students improve. She loves all of the kids in the school.”