Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo Named 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year
The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) and Toyota are proud to announce that Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo, a STEM teacher at Pinewood Elementary in Orlando, Florida, is the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year. Heather Hall, a STEM teacher at Montview Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama, was named runner-up.
What is the Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award?
Since 1997, NCFL, with support from Toyota, has recognized educators across the nation who use a strong multigenerational approach to learning and build effective family-school partnerships that support student learning outcomes and school improvement. Educators were nominated by their peers or leadership, and six finalists were chosen for their passion and persistence in supporting family engagement and the innovative ideas they have implemented to expand their programs.
Who is the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year?
Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo, STEM Teacher, Pinewood Elementary | Orlando, Florida
Dr. Malahoo has changed the trajectory of students and families at Pinewood Elementary’s Title I campus. She founded a STEM club, and former students have returned to tell her it inspired them to pursue advanced STEM coursework.
When she realized many parents felt intimidated coming onto campus, she moved learning into the community. She hosted Math Night inside a local supermarket, where families solved real-world math problems together, and attendance grew to hundreds of families. When language and employment barriers affected the school’s predominantly Haitian Creole community, she launched resume workshops and guided parents through the digital application process. Several parents secured employment, strengthening their families’ stability. She also follows up with families individually, checks on attendance, and personally invites those who are hesitant.
The results extend to academics. Within three months, reading proficiency in her classroom rose from 27% to 47%, and math proficiency grew from 5% to 25%.
“What sets Dr. Malahoo apart is her ability to implement a truly multigenerational approach,” said Pinewood Elementary Principal Rozene Frett Bowie. “She does not simply serve families—she builds trust, fosters belonging, and creates sustainable systems of support.”
One parent put it this way: “She does more than just teach; she builds bridges. She supports entire families, not just students. She has transformed the way parents participate in school, and she has helped us feel welcomed, respected, and capable.”
Who is the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year runner-up?
Heather Hall, STEM Teacher, Montview Elementary School | Huntsville, Alabama
Heather Hall creates opportunities for families to learn alongside their children. She organizes STEM Family Nights connected to Driving Possibilities, runs Robotics Club and Greenpower Racing, and encourages strong family involvement in both. She translates communication into the native languages of English Language Learner families so every family feels welcomed and informed. She is also a driving force behind the school’s “Book to Home” initiative, coordinating resources so every student receives a brand-new book each Friday.
District STEM coordinator Rachel Evans said students in Hall’s supported schools have shown consistent growth in benchmark assessments and state ACAP scores in math and science, “demonstrating that innovative technology integration combined with family engagement leads to real academic progress.”
What do the winner and runner-up receive?
The Toyota Family Teacher of the Year receives a $20,000 grant to further ongoing family learning efforts, and the runner-up receives $5,000. Both will be recognized in San Antonio, Texas, on November 9 during the 2026 Families Learning Conference, NCFL’s annual convening of educators, practitioners, researchers, and community-based organizations from across the nation.
Since 1997, Toyota Family Teacher of the Year winners, runners-up, and their organizations have received $755,000 and funded 59 innovative teacher-led projects.
“Programs that support teachers to introduce innovative learning initiatives into their schools and communities are essential to help our students grow,” said Colleen Casey, general manager of workforce development and sustainable development at Toyota Motor North America. “Research shows when teachers have the space to design creative and innovative programs, student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement improve significantly. By working together with NCFL, teachers and parents are better equipped to make learning accessible to more families and align with our mission of Mobility for All.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Malahoo, Heather Hall, and all six 2026 finalists: Mary Cluley, Holly Daugherty, Heather Hall, Kristen Kardos, Dr. Nisha Phillip Malahoo, and Richard Roe.