Sometimes the most powerful educators are the ones who never seek attention. That is exactly why this month’s Ohio Spotlight belongs to Rebecca Saunders, intervention specialist at Hayes High School, who has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Council for Exceptional Children.
This national recognition honors teachers serving students with disabilities whose work reflects exceptional instructional quality, measurable student growth, professional excellence, and sustained commitment to the field of special education. Rebecca’s work checks every one of those boxes and then goes even further.
A Surprise Celebration
Rebecca attended what she thought was a routine faculty meeting in the school library. When the Executive Director of CEC was introduced, she began to sense something unusual. Moments later, she learned she had been selected as the 2026 Teacher of the Year, a moment described as both emotional and deeply deserved.
Her peers had nominated her not simply because she is skilled, but because she embodies both the hard work and the heart work of education.
Blending Innovation With Compassion
Colleagues describe Rebecca as someone who integrates innovative strategies, real-world experiences, and meaningful partnerships into her teaching. She tailors instruction to meet individual student needs while ensuring learning remains engaging and practical.
One example that stood out to the selection committee was her creation of the Pacer Pantry and Pacer Free Store initiatives designed to remove barriers that can interfere with learning. By addressing food insecurity and essential needs with dignity, she ensures students can focus on growth and achievement.
Her philosophy is clear: special education students deserve the very best experience possible during their school years. And she lives that commitment daily.
A Mentor and Builder of Community
Rebecca’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. She mentors new teachers and paraeducators, helping them navigate the demands of special education with confidence and purpose. Colleagues openly share that they might not have made it through their first year without her guidance.
She has cultivated a strong sense of unity among special education staff across the school and district, reinforcing the importance of their shared mission and elevating the quality of support provided to students.
As noted by CEC leadership, she is not only doing exceptional work herself, she is ensuring the next generation of educators is prepared to carry it forward.
National Recognition and Continued Impact
Rebecca will be formally honored in March at the CEC Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. She will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a $1,000 classroom grant sponsored by CEC and its partner, Let’s Go Learn. She is also expected to be recognized later this year in Washington, D.C.
Despite the recognition, Rebecca describes herself as someone who prefers the work over the spotlight. She has expressed gratitude for the Delaware community, whose generosity supports the pantry and free store initiatives whenever needs arise.
Why This Spotlight Matters
Rebecca Saunders represents what special education should look like at its best; innovative, student-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. Her work reminds us that educational excellence is not only measured by academic data, but also by dignity restored, confidence built, and futures expanded.
This month, Ohio celebrates not just an award recipient, but a teacher whose quiet leadership is changing lives every single day.
