Andover Educator Named 2026 New Hampshire Teacher Of The Year

CONCORD, NH — Megan Philbrook, a teacher at Andover Elementary Middle School, was named New Hampshire’s 2026 Teacher of the Year during a surprise celebration on Thursday.

Selected from a pool of 105 nominees, Philbrook was chosen for her ability to engage students in learning with curiosity and confidence, while also encouraging her students to take risks, embrace challenges, and believe in their ability to grow.

Philbrook has taught for 11 years. Since 2017, she has worked as a social studies teacher at Andover Elementary Middle School. Earlier in her career, Philbrook worked at The Moore Center with individuals with developmental disabilities, and Southside Middle School where she taught seventh-grade social studies.

“New Hampshire’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes some of the best educators throughout the state and the nation,” Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis said. “We are honored to recognize Megan as our newest Teacher of the Year. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious, according to those who know her best, and we are eager to celebrate her passion for education, her commitment to creative learning opportunities, and her efforts to make history come alive.”

According to Principal Kelly George, Philbrook has shown incredible leadership both inside and outside of the classroom, earning the respect and admiration of her students and colleagues.

“Her students are the ones who nominated her for this award. When I asked one of them why he thinks she should win New Hampshire Teacher of the Year, he summed it up best when he said, ‘Mrs. Philbrook is always upbeat, and she is very excited to teach, and that makes me excited to learn.’”

In her application essay, Philbrook wrote, “Whether it’s inspiring new teachers or reigniting passion in veteran educators, I want to help all teachers find excessive amounts of joy in their teaching … At the end of the day, to make learning magical isn’t just for students – it’s for teachers too,” adding one of her goals will be to connect educators with underutilized resources such as grants, state-funded professional development, and local partnerships aimed at providing students with meaningful learning experiences.

“Megan was selected as New Hampshire Teacher of the Year not only for her dedication and excellence in the classroom, but for the passion and creativity she brings every day to preparing her students to thrive as the workforce of tomorrow,” said Joe Doiron, a member of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee and Director of Workforce Development at the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

Christine Brennan, Deputy Commissioner of Education, agreed.

“While we had a number of excellent nominees, Megan is a true champion for both students and educators. Her teaching style is unforgettable, and it is a privilege to honor her spark for leadership and teaching,” said Brennan.

Submitted by the New Hampshire Department of Education