STATEHOUSE (Oct. 6, 2022) – Bluffton High School educator Tara Cocanower is the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, according to State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle).
Cocanower, selected by the Indiana Department of Education out of three finalists, is a world history and AP U.S. history teacher. She is also Bluffton High School’s high ability coordinator and the school’s co-technology coordinator. Now in her 11th year of teaching, she helped her students achieve an 85% pass rate on the 2022 AP U.S. History exam, where the state average is 45%.
"We could not be more proud of Mrs. Cocanower, and want to congratulate her for this tremendous accomplishment," Lehman said. "Indiana is home to so many great educators, with the best one right here in Bluffton. I love U.S. history, and I'm so excited she is helping young Hoosiers learn about our nation's past. Her passion is a tremendous asset and we value her talent for teaching."
Cocanower learned of her Teacher of Year status during a school convocation with Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, Bluffton students and staff, and Holdman.
"Winning the Teacher of the Year award is no small feat, especially considering the lengthy selection process and large number of impressive educators across the Hoosier state," Holdman said. "It's truly an honor to have Indiana's top educator here in our area. Mrs. Cocanower has been an excellent example and educator for her students in Bluffton, and I am thankful for her contribution to the students and community."
As the state's top educator, Cocanower will work to help elevate the teaching profession in Indiana, as well as represent Hoosier teachers at the national level.
"Tara Cocanower is an amazing educator," said Steve Baker, High School principal. "Through all of her interactions with students, she sees them as who they can become and not just who they are. Her passion for teaching is contagious and her students want to be part of that experience. Mrs. Cocanower truly has a heart for teaching. She has made a difference in the lives of her students at Bluffton High School."
The Indiana Teacher of the Year Program for over 60 years has worked to inspire, rejuvenate, and celebrate the teaching profession by recognizing outstanding teachers from across the state. The program encourages schools to nominate their local Teachers of the Year for this statewide honor. Finalists are selected from these applicants by a committee made up of former Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff, educational organization leaders, business and community leaders and representatives from higher education.
To learn more about the Indiana Teacher of the Year Program, visit in.gov/doe.
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Click here for the official release from the Indiana Department of Education.
State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) represents Senate District 19,
which includes all or portions of Adams, Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Jay and Wells counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Holdman.
State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
