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April 18, 2025

Andrea Stoufer – America’s Favorite Teacher Contestant

A close-up portrait of a smiling woman with long brown curly hair against a blue background.

Voting is now underway to determine who is America’s Favorite Teacher—and Welborn Elementary School Teacher Andrea Stoufer is in the running. She is a semi-finalist in the nation-wide contest.

The contest will honor one outstanding teacher in the country by awarding them with $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, a feature in Reader’s Digest magazine, and a virtual school assembly with the iconic Bill Nye, the Science Guy.

A collage of seven photos shows a teacher in various classroom settings, wearing graduation robes, holiday glasses, and a special paper crown.

The second round of voting started Friday, April 18 and will end Thursday, April 24. How all of this began for Stoufer has been nothing short of a whirlwind.

“Our school administration and staff started nominating teachers in January for “Teacher of the Week” through a local (Kansas City, Missouri) law firm,” shared Stoufer. “After I was nominated and won Teacher of the Week in February, I received another email informing me that it was time to fill out my profile because someone feels that I am America's Favorite Teacher.”

The contest is being operated by Colossal, which is a nationally registered public charity that grant donations to teachers in America. According to Colossal’s website, the annual contest recognizes educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower the next generation of educators. They also say it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the heroes whose passion, creativity, and dedication makes a lasting impact on their students and communities.

In her submission, Stoufer explained why she became a teacher. “As a student, I struggled in school. My dyslexia made every day a challenge, because I felt I would never overcome. I became a teacher to insure all my students have a place they can come to everyday that makes them feel safe, successful and a place they can call home. I want all my students to know that I believe in them every day,” she added.

If Stoufer does win the title, she already has a plan for the $25,000. The money would go toward her students and the class. She says she would have flexible seating options in her classroom, tons of books, and the best school supplies. “There would be no limits to our learning. Then I would continue on by supporting other teachers around me by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list before the next school year,” said Stoufer.

In her mind, Stoufer believes she is already a winner. “I have won by working at an amazing school, having the most supportive administration, the best students in the world and someone who believes that I am America's Favorite Teacher,” she added. “I am beyond grateful for both of these opportunities. Even if I don't receive this once in a lifetime title of "America's Favorite Teacher", I strongly feel I have already won.”