Aaron Andersen, a Chinese and AP U.S. History teacher at Skyridge High School, is among the "Fab Five" teachers in Utah.
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) announced the finalists for the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year award. Andersen was named Alpine School District Teacher of the Year in May.
"Aaron is an excellent teacher who has a great rapport with his students and families. His classes are engaging and rigorous and students are successful in them," said John Wallwork, Principal at Skyridge.
Anderson also runs and leads Lehi's Community Chinese New Year Celebration, which attracts hundreds of patrons and involves many students from different high schools. He serves as the chair of World Language department and a Collaborative Team Leader for the district's Chinese Language team.
USBE selected its five finalists for their dedication to the craft, innovative practices, and profound impact on the lives of their students and communities. They will now move forward to the final stage of the selection process.
The other four 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year Finalists are:
Markay Anderson | Elementary Education | Ashley Elementary, Uintah School District
Joanna Andres | Social Studies | Park City High School, Park City School District
Dr. Joseph Kozlowski | 2nd Grade | Edith Bowen Laboratory School, Utah State University
Aston (Rai) Pattison | Special Education | Kearns Junior High School, Granite School District
In the coming weeks, all five finalists will participate in intensive professional learning to prepare for the next phase of the selection process. This preparation will culminate in an in-person interview with the 15-person Utah Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, which is composed of representatives from the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah Education Association, USBE staff, and other education and community stakeholders.
The 2026 Utah Teacher of the year will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 4. The winner will go on to represent Utah in the National Teacher of the Year Program.