(GREENVILLE, Wis.) February 16, 2026 – School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments, instructional solutions, and supplies for preK-12 education, is proud to celebrate outstanding educators with its 12th annual Crystal Apple Awards. Starting today, students, parents, administrators, and peers are encouraged to nominate educators who embody inspiration, leadership, and a tireless passion for teaching.
Each year, students, parents, administrators, and fellow teachers nominate teachers who, like last year’s inspiring finalists and winners, go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. This year, School Specialty will award 16 finalists from the nominees, five of whom will be selected as winners through a public vote.
“Entering our 12th year of the Crystal Apple Awards is a milestone that reminds us why we do what we do,” said Dr. Sue Ann Highland, National Education Strategist at School Specialty. “These awards are about more than just recognizing phenomenal educators; they are about providing dedicated teachers with the resources they need to keep inspiring the next generation of thinkers and leaders.”
Crystal Apple Finalists receive a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year’s winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Specialty for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school.
Anyone can nominate their favorite educator by visiting www.schoolspecialty.com/crystal-apple.
Public voting on nominees will be open from April 6 to 12, 2026, and the winners will be announced on April 21.
About School Specialty, LLC
With a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the preK-12 education marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces featuring Snoezelen, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development, and more. School Specialty believes every student can flourish in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. In support of this vision to transform more than classrooms, the company applies its unmatched team of education strategists and designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad assortment of name-brand and proprietary products. For more information, go to SchoolSpecialty.com.
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
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