Celebrating Excellence in Education: Joshua Amstutz Nominated for 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year

At World Affairs Council, we are proud to spotlight educators in our region who are shaping the future through their commitment, creativity, and compassion. Today, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news from right here in our own community.

Joshua Amstutz Nominated for Prestigious 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year Honor

Please join us in congratulating Joshua Amstutz, a dedicated and inspiring educator who has been nominated for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year (OTOY) award! This nomination recognizes not just years of service, but the impact Joshua has made in the lives of students, families, and fellow educators throughout the region.

Joshua serves as the Coordinator of the Academy of Global Studies (AGS) at Winton Woods High School, a unique program that offers students an innovative, technology-infused education designed to prepare them for a globalized world. In addition to his administrative role, he teaches mathematics courses, including Pre-Calculus Aligned Physics (PCAP) and College Credit Plus courses in College Algebra and Pre-Calculus.

Under Joshua’s leadership, AGS has earned recognition as a Global, Innovative, Strategic, and Transformative (GIST) School by the Global Educational Community, highlighting its commitment to fostering global competencies among students.

As part of the OTOY selection process, Joshua has been officially invited to complete the next step — an online application for the regional-level State Board District 4 Teacher of the Year. From there, one honoree will be selected to represent the district at the state level.

This nomination is more than a personal milestone — it’s a recognition of the vibrant, global-minded education taking place in Ohio classrooms. It underscores the vital role teachers play in preparing students for an interconnected world and inspires all of us to continue investing in global education initiatives.

What’s Next in the Process

The selection process includes several key phases outlined in the 2026 OTOY Program Overview and Application Guide, which Joshua has received as part of his nomination package. The regional honoree chosen from District 4 will go on to be considered as the official candidate for the entire state of Ohio — a true mark of excellence in the profession.

Josh Amstutz with our Secondary School Administration IVLP group

We are honored to celebrate Joshua and all the educators who bring global awareness, civic understanding, and innovative thinking into the classroom every day.

To Joshua — thank you for your dedication and leadership. Our community is stronger and more connected because of teachers like you.

Stay tuned as we follow Joshua’s journey in the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year program. Let’s continue to elevate the incredible work of educators making a difference — locally and globally.