IAOTP names Jeremy Utt Top Educator of the Year

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Jeremy Utt, a Stafford County, Virginia mathematics educator, at its annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December. Utt is being recognized for more than 20 years in education, student leadership work and a string of professional honors.

Why it matters: - The IAOTP recognition spotlights an educator with more than two decades of experience in Virginia public schools. - The award also highlights classroom teaching, mentorship and student leadership work, not just tenure. - Utt will be honored at IAOTP's annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Jeremy Utt, Ed.S., as Top Educator of the Year for 2026. - Utt is a National Board Certified Teacher and a mathematics educator at T. Benton Gayle Middle School in Stafford County, Virginia. - IAOTP said Utt will be recognized at its annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City this December.

The details: - Utt has more than 20 years of experience in education. - He currently serves as a middle school mathematics teacher and club advisor at T. Benton Gayle Middle School. - His work focuses on helping students strengthen math skills, build confidence and reach academic potential. - He has worked as a middle and high school teacher and mathematics specialist in Virginia public schools. - Utt earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy and a Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of William & Mary. - He later completed additional graduate studies in gifted education and mathematics education. - He earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with Licensure from Old Dominion University. - In 2024, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from Radford University. - Utt founded Junior Beta clubs at two schools where he served. - The clubs created opportunities for students to build leadership skills, pursue academic excellence and participate more fully in school communities. - His professional distinctions include Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Educator in 2019. - Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education named him Teacher of Honor in 2010 and Master Teacher of Honor in 2021. - He also received the Meritorious New Teacher Designation early in his career.

Between the lines: - IAOTP's selection process is designed to recognize only a small number of professionals in each discipline. - The honor reflects a mix of classroom impact, academic credentials, leadership and community contribution. - Stephanie Cirami, IAOTP president, said the panel found Utt's dedication to mathematics education and continued pursuit of excellence an easy choice for the award. - Utt credits persistence, determination, family and friends, and mentors for his success.

What's next: - Utt will receive the Top Educator of the Year recognition at IAOTP's gala in December. - He said he remains committed to continued growth as an educator and to making a lasting impact on students and school communities. - More information is available in IAOTP's gala announcement. - More information about IAOTP is available on the organization's website.