A Local Teacher is in the Running to Become Americas Favorite Teacher

ZANESVILLE, OH – One local Muskingum County teacher is in need of the community’s help.

Madison Shackles, an elementary school teacher at Duncan Falls, is hoping to win the title of America’s Favorite Teacher. The winner of the contest will receive a $25,000 prize, a trip to Hawaii, a school assembly with Bill Nye, and an appearance in Reader’s Digest.

“I do appreciate the votes that I do get. It’s definitely helpful and encouraging for my students; it’s something they’re rooting for. They can’t particularly vote for me because they’re all under the age of 12. You do have to have Facebook to vote. Just a vote every day means a lot,” Shackles said. “It gives hope for teachers in small towns that you can get big rewards for doing small things.”

This hopeful teacher says she plans to use the prize money not only to pay off her personal debt but also to further her passion for art and teaching by renovating her garage into a studio for private lessons. She also hopes to inspire others who may be on the fence about pursuing a career in education.

“I hope that I’m able to encourage other people who might be questioning whether teaching is the right path for them. It is definitely a job that isn’t easy,” Shackles said. “But it is rewarding—not just in this aspect, but in the day-to-day work that you do. For those educators now and future educators, keep pushing through because you never know what’s going to happen. I mean, I didn’t expect this to happen—receiving a message saying, ‘Hey, you’ve been handpicked for America’s Teacher.'”

If you’d like to help this dedicated art teacher pursue her dreams, the voting to secure her spot in the top 15 ends on Thursday, March 13th. Please visit https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/madison-shackles to cast your vote.