Santa Fe science teacher Mrs. Chandra Keuhn was recently announced as a winner of the Interstate Studios 2025/2026 Teacher of the Year contest.

Keuhn was nominated for this award earlier this year for going above and beyond to make a difference in both students’ and parents’ lives. The nomination includes an entry form and a 100-750 word essay, poem or thank you that describes why your nominee should be selected.

The contest consists of two divisions: A Student Division in which the nominators are a student in grades K-12, and a Peer Division in which the nominator is a principal, school peer, former student or student parent. In addition to these two categories, a Grand Prize is awarded.

During the judging phase, all nominees are reviewed and 20 finalists are selected. Then the 20 finalists are re-judged and the finalist with the highest overall score is named the Grand Prize winner. The two finalists with the highest scores in their respective divisions are named winners of their division and deemed Runners Up in the contest overall.

Keuhn was the winner of the Student Division. She received a plaque and a $200 grant for classroom supplies.

For more information about this award or to nominate a teacher during the next contest cycle, please visit https://schools.inter-state.com/who-weare#teacherOfTheYear