University of Evansville

UE Announces 2026 Outstanding Educator Winners

Evansville, Ind. (04/08/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) proudly honored four outstanding educators in Vanderburgh County with prestigious awards during its 35th annual ceremony on April 8. Each recipient received a surprise announcement within their school, celebrating their remarkable contributions to education.

Specific to Vanderburgh County, this competition recognizes exemplary classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12, each possessing a minimum of three years of experience. These esteemed awards are made possible through the generous sponsorship of UE, Evansville Liberty Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press.

Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year: Holly Carey

Holly Carey, a fourth-grade teacher at McCutchanville Elementary School, has been named the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year. With 21 years of teaching experience, including seven at McCutchanville, Carey is recognized for her commitment to fostering both academic growth and a strong sense of belonging among her students. She teaches reading, writing, and social-emotional learning, creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to build relationships, develop confidence, and grow as lifelong learners.

Beyond her classroom, Carey plays a significant leadership role within her school community. She supports colleagues through professional development in inclusion, universal design for learning, and instructional best practices, while also helping to realign curriculum and assessment strategies across grade levels. A passionate advocate for student leadership, she leads the school's Student Lighthouse team as part of the Leader in Me initiative, guiding efforts that promote kindness, community engagement, and a positive school culture.

Carey's teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe, engaging, and joyful learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to take risks. Through hands-on activities, collaborative learning, and intentional relationship-building, she encourages students to develop resilience, empathy, and a love of learning. Her dedication to both her students and colleagues exemplifies her lasting impact on the McCutchanville community.

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year: Stefanie Simmons

Stefanie Simmons, a middle school science teacher and K-8 resource teacher at Corpus Christi School, has been named the Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year. With 20 years of teaching experience, including 14 at Corpus Christi, Simmons is recognized for her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships and creating an inclusive, student-centered learning environment. She teaches science across grades 6-8 while also supporting students throughout the school in a variety of subjects, allowing her to build strong connections with learners at every level.

Beyond the classroom, Simmons is deeply involved in her school community through a wide range of leadership roles. She serves as an eighth-grade homeroom teacher, helping prepare students for the transition to high school, and plays a key role in organizing milestone events such as graduation and service initiatives. As a Family Council sponsor, she helps guide student leadership and coordinate school-wide programs that promote community and engagement. Her contributions also extend to academic event coordination, fundraising efforts, and showcasing student achievements through social media.

Simmons' teaching philosophy centers on connection, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships as the foundation for meaningful learning. She creates a welcoming and inclusive classroom where students feel valued and supported, using hands-on, project-based learning and differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs. Through her commitment to both academic and personal growth, Simmons inspires students to build confidence, think critically, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year: Maren Smith

Maren Smith, a College Credit Anatomy teacher and Department Chair for Science, P.E., and Health at North High School, has been named the Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year. With 19 years of teaching experience-all at North-Smith is recognized for her commitment to student success, hands-on instruction, and fostering meaningful connections in the classroom. She teaches juniors and seniors in a rigorous dual credit anatomy course, preparing students for both college-level expectations and future careers in science and healthcare.

In addition to her teaching role, Smith serves as the campus liaison for the University of Southern Indiana's College Achievement Program, helping guide students and families through the dual credit enrollment process. Her leadership as department chair and dedication to supporting students beyond the classroom reflect her strong commitment to academic excellence and opportunity.

Smith's teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and relationship-building. Through engaging lab activities, collaborative work, and real-world applications, she creates a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to learn. By fostering trust and encouraging intellectual curiosity, Smith empowers her students to take risks, build confidence, and develop a lasting passion for learning.

Outstanding Principal of the Year: Dr. Andrew Freeman

Dr. Andrew Freeman, principal of Central High School, has been named the Outstanding Principal of the Year. With 17 years of experience in education, including seven years as principal at Central, Freeman is recognized for his visionary leadership, commitment to student success, and dedication to fostering a people-first school culture.

Under his leadership, Central High School has achieved sustained national recognition, including being named a U.S. News & World Report "Best High School" for seven consecutive years. Freeman has also led the transformation and expansion of the EVSC Academy of Science and Medicine, growing enrollment, strengthening equitable access, and building partnerships with local hospitals, universities, and industry leaders to provide students with real-world learning opportunities.

Freeman's leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership, emphasizing relationships, trust, and continuous growth. Through initiatives such as annual "Listening Tours" with students and staff, he ensures that every voice is heard and valued within the school community. He also prioritizes professional development and innovative practices, equipping educators with the tools and support needed to create dynamic, engaging learning environments.

By balancing high expectations with strong support, Freeman has cultivated a culture of accountability, inclusion, and excellence at Central High School. His unwavering commitment to students, staff, and the broader community exemplifies his lasting impact as an educational leader.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT

Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer

na122@evansville.edu

812-893-5319

University of Evansville

UE Announces 2026 Outstanding Educator Winners

University of Evansville

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