FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2026
www.sde.idaho.gov
Media Contact:
Maggie T. Reynolds
Public Information Officer
208-332-6976
[email protected]
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield announced today that Boise School District educator Amanda Holland has been named the 2027 Idaho Teacher of the Year.
Holland, who has spent more than 20 years supporting, guiding, and inspiring students, was surprised with the honor during a ceremony at Washington Elementary School.
The Idaho Teacher of the Year program, in partnership with CapEd Credit Union, recognizes and celebrates excellence in Idaho teaching. Selected from nearly 200 nominees statewide, Holland will serve as a spokesperson and representative for Idaho educators at local and national events throughout 2027. She will also represent Idaho in the National Teacher of the Year program.
“It’s often said that teaching is a calling, and there’s no doubt that Amanda has fully answered that call,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “Her students, her colleagues, and her community have all benefited from her dedication and passion. I’m thrilled we can celebrate her contributions to Idaho education.”
Holland teaches first and second grades at Washington Elementary, where she is known by her students and colleagues as someone who finds innovative ways to engage learners and build a strong school community. Her use of the Building Thinking Classrooms model encourages students to engage in high-level learning, demonstrate what they know and learn through meaningful feedback.
Her impact extends beyond her own classroom. Holland works with teacher interns and regularly hosts student teachers, sharing her enthusiasm and expertise with the next generation of Idaho educators. As Washington Elementary’s Belonging Lead, she works to foster a schoolwide environment where students feel known, valued and connected.
In one project, Holland organized fifth- and sixth-grade students to spotlight every student in the school on its main bulletin board.
“We found out the things they love to do, facts about their family and pets, what they like to do at recess, and what they are most proud of,” said Holland. “We just finished all of our 279 students and had time to spotlight our staff at the end.”
Colleagues say that commitment to knowing and supporting individual students is at the heart of Holland’s approach to teaching.
“What truly sets Mrs. Holland apart is her commitment to her students’ overall well-being. She takes the time to understand each student as an individual, offering encouragement and guidance that extends beyond academics,” said Washington Elementary Principal Sean Sup. “Her impact is evident in the confidence and growth of the students she teaches.”
Parent Lexie Merz has also seen Holland’s ability to connect deeply with her students.
“At the heart of her teaching is her ability to truly see each child,” said Merz. “She creates space for children to express who they are, supports their individuality, and consistently recognizes their unique strengths.”
In her Teacher of the Year application, Holland describes the importance of creating learning environments that support individual students while also building positive group dynamics where students feel comfortable taking risks, exploring new ideas, and stretching their abilities.
“Community provides safety and all learn to be open to peer feedback as it is given with generosity and kindness. Sharing and listening to each other allows students to feel valued, heard, and their ideas are validated,” she said. “Learners become experts in these lessons. This is a community that builds self-efficacy, engagement, and conceptual understanding of topics. This is a community of ‘We’ that honors each child’s thinking.”
Holland started her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Lewis and Clark Elementary in Caldwell. She later taught first and second grades in Boise before advancing to the role of mentor teacher and peer assistant.
Throughout her career, Holland has taken on numerous leadership roles supporting both students and fellow educators. She has served on the Idaho Department of Education’s Essential Standards Committee, participated in a Mathematics Teacher Leader cohort through Boise State University’s Regional Math Center, and currently serves on Washington Elementary’s Building Leadership Team.
Holland holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Idaho, where she was a Wright Fellow; an endorsement in Teacher Leadership in Mathematics from Boise State University; a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University.
Her previous honors include being named an Idaho Master Educator in 2019 and an Idaho state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2024. She also taught in Beijing, China, as a guest teacher through the Confucius Institute.
As Idaho Teacher of the Year, Holland will spend the coming year sharing her perspective, passion for teaching and commitment to student achievement with educators and education leaders across Idaho and the nation.
“When we imagine the kind of teacher we want guiding our students and connecting our school communities, we imagine talent and dedication like Amanda’s,” Critchfield said. “She represents so much of what is exceptional about Idaho educators, and I’m pleased she’ll have the opportunity to share her passion, experience and skill on the national stage.”
As Idaho Teacher of the Year, Holland will serve as the state’s representative in the National Teacher of the Year program, sharing her unique viewpoints, passion for teaching, and dedication to student achievement with colleagues across the nation.
The Gem State Chronicle delivers daily analysis, op-eds, press releases, and Idaho Insider updates — free to your inbox.
Free newsletter · Unsubscribe anytime · View on Substack
About Idaho Department of Education
The Idaho Department of Education is the state agency that supports and strengthens K-12 education in Idaho. By advocating for Idaho’s families, educators, and schools with funding and educational policy alignment, we support and lead academic achievement to ensure every student is prepared with the skills and job readiness to succeed.
