Being named Teacher of the Year in Indiana’s fourth-largest school district is a significant honor, and on Thursday morning, Hamilton Southeastern Schools officials gathered at Riverside Junior High School to recognize this year’s recipient.

Jordan Teeple, a mathematics teacher at Riverside Junior High, was named the 2025-26 Hamilton Southeastern Schools Teacher of the Year during a surprise ceremony attended by students, family members, administrators and district leaders.

Teeple has taught in HSE Schools for the past 10 years, but his impact extends well beyond the classroom. In addition to teaching math, he serves on Riverside’s School Improvement Plan leadership team, co-sponsors the school’s Student Council, coordinates the annual Camp Tecumseh program and supports a variety of student involvement activities.

HSE Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley joined school and district officials for the announcement. Kegley revealed that Teeple had first been selected as the district’s Junior High Teacher of the Year before being chosen as the overall Teacher of the Year for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

The announcement drew an enthusiastic response from students gathered in the school’s auxiliary gymnasium, who greeted the news with loud applause and cheers.

Teeple’s parents were also present to witness the surprise recognition.

As part of the honor, Teeple received a $1,000 award from the HSE Schools Foundation, presented by Executive Director Justin Hirnisey. Riverside Junior High Principal Rob Huesing joined district administrators and school staff in celebrating the achievement.

The annual Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools and a commitment to making a positive impact on students and the broader school community.