Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2026) — A Sun Prairie teacher is among 43 educators in America selected by the NEA Foundation to receive the 2027 Travelers Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Joel Coyne, a business education teacher at Sun Prairie East High School and Wisconsin’s 2026 nominee to the National Teacher of the Year program, is recognized for excellence in the classroom, professional leadership, community engagement and commitment to expanding opportunities for all students.
“Joel brings passion for his students, profession and community to the classroom every day,” said Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, a teacher and president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). Coyne, a member of the Sun Prairie Education Association, was the recipient of WEAC’s 2026 Excellence in Education Award and featured in this statewide video.
This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the 2027 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, taking place on February 12, 2027 in Washington, D.C.
Five of the 43 awardees will receive the coveted Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence. Each will receive a $10,000 award and be featured in a short original documentary showcasing their classroom practice. One will be selected for the NEA Member Benefits Award, the highest honor in public education, and receive $25,000.
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About The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation champions the people, policies and partnerships closing opportunity gaps across the country, promoting the absolute best in public education. Learn more at neafoundation.org.
