The VFW Department of Michigan recognizes the crucial role educators play in the development of our Nation's youth. The VFW Teacher of the Year program is one way we can highlight extraordinary teachers who dedicate themselves to building up their students and teaching the importance of patriotism, service to others, and love for the American people.

 The 2025 - 2026 Teacher of the Year Program has been completed.   This year's winner were selected by our Department Judges in December and on January 31, 2026 the winners were presented to an appreciative VFW audience at the Mid-Winter Conference Awards Banquet honoring our teachers, VOD District winners and Patriot Pen District winners.

And the winners of the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year Program are:

Elementary School - K thru 5

From District 15, sponsored by Post 8945

Jane VanBuren, Arvon Township School

Middle School - 6 thru 8

From District 10, sponsored by Post 2492

Michael LaMarra, Imlay City Middle School

High School - 9 thru 12

From District 4, sponsored by Post 6695

Christopher Belch, Canton High School