Jeremy Utt named Top Educator of the Year by IAOTP

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Stafford County, Virginia, math teacher Jeremy Utt as its 2026 Top Educator of the Year at a gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The recognition spotlights more than two decades in education, student leadership programs and a long list of teaching honors.

Why it matters: - The honor places Jeremy Utt among a small group of IAOTP professionals recognized for leadership, longevity and community impact. - The award highlights the growing attention given to classroom teachers who combine academic instruction with student mentorship and school leadership. - The recognition also underscores the visibility of middle school math education at a time when student confidence and proficiency remain a national concern.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Jeremy Utt, Ed.S., as Top Educator of the Year for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Jeremy Utt at its annual awards gala in December at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Jeremy Utt teaches mathematics at T. Benton Gayle Middle School in Stafford County, Virginia. - Jeremy Utt also serves as a club advisor at the school.

The details: - Jeremy Utt has more than 20 years of experience in education. - His career has included work as a middle school teacher, high school teacher and mathematics specialist in Virginia public schools. - Jeremy 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 graduate study in gifted education and mathematics education. - Jeremy Utt earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with Licensure from Old Dominion University. - He most recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from Radford University. - Jeremy Utt founded Junior Beta clubs at two schools where he worked. - He has been recognized with several honors, including 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. - Jeremy Utt also received the Meritorious New Teacher Designation early in his career.

Between the lines: - IAOTP positions its awards as selective, so the honor signals both peer recognition and professional status. - The focus on Junior Beta clubs suggests Jeremy Utt’s work extends beyond test scores and classroom instruction into student leadership development. - The combination of advanced degrees and recurring honors points to a career built around formal credentials and long-term school involvement. - Stephanie Cirami, president of IAOTP, said Jeremy Utt’s dedication to mathematics education, commitment to students and pursuit of professional excellence made him an easy choice for the panel. - Jeremy Utt said persistence, determination, family support and mentors shaped his career.

What's next: - IAOTP will present the recognition at its December gala in New York City. - Jeremy Utt said he remains committed to continued growth as an educator and to making a lasting impact on students and school communities. - IAOTP says membership is by invitation or nomination and is not open to the general public. - More information is available in IAOTP's annual awards gala announcement.

The bottom line: - Jeremy Utt’s selection reflects a career that pairs classroom teaching with leadership, enrichment and sustained professional achievement.