The Air & Space Forces Association's Teacher of the Year Program is about more than recognizing outstanding educators. It's about investing in teachers whose passion and innovation create lasting opportunities for their students and communities.
The experience of Annette Larson, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter's 2025 Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Ohio AFA State Teacher of the Year, is a perfect example of that ripple effect.
Recently, after receiving her official AFA Teacher of the Year jacket from National Headquarters, Larson shared a heartfelt reflection with the Wright Memorial Chapter about what the award has meant to her.
"I stood a little straighter and prouder while wearing it," she wrote. "It is of very nice quality, and I will wear it with pride."
More importantly, she wanted our chapter to understand the impact that our Teacher of the Year program has had—not only on her professionally, but on the hundreds of students, teachers, and families she serves.
Over the past year, Larson has continued to expand STEM and STEAM education opportunities while sharing the recognition she received from the Wright Memorial Chapter and the Ohio AFA.
Among her accomplishments, she:
- Spoke to the entire Trotwood Madison City Schools staff during the district's annual convocation, where her AFA Teacher of the Year recognition was highlighted before school leaders, elected officials, and community representatives.
- Presented at the Wright State University Learn Local Conference, where she acknowledged the Air & Space Forces Association during her presentation.
- Presented at the National Science Teaching Association Conference in Anaheim, California, sharing innovative STEM education practices with educators from across the nation.
- Completed her doctoral dissertation and is preparing to defend her Ed.D. research focused on integrating STEM education into the elementary classroom.
- Continued leading her district's STEM program despite challenging budget reductions, with the program remaining intact because of its demonstrated value.
- Served as her school's Intervention Assistance Team Lead, helping teachers implement strategies that support student success.
- Expanded classroom learning after being selected as a 2025 Funds for Teachers Fellow, using her educational experience in Costa Rica to create new learning opportunities for her students.
- Secured grant funding to transform STEM into STEAM by integrating professional artists into classroom instruction, culminating in a vibrant superhero-themed mural that connects science concepts with creativity, perseverance, and character.
- Partnered with Five Rivers MetroParks to establish Madison Park Elementary as one of only two "Seedling Schools," creating a new school garden, outdoor learning experiences, and environmental education opportunities.
- Organized an expanded STEAM Week and a community STEAM Night that welcomed more than 300 students, families, and community members.
Perhaps most meaningful was how Larson chose to use the financial awards she received through the AFA Teacher of the Year program.
Although she was encouraged to use the funds personally, she instead invested them back into her students and school. The award helped purchase classroom resources, art supplies, materials for collaborative mural projects, and stainless steel container gardens that now support the school's outdoor learning environment.
In reflecting on the past year, Larson shared:
"Please share my appreciation with others. I want your AFA chapter to understand the impact of its work."
Her impact extends beyond her own classroom. Larson also shared that the opportunities provided through the Wright Memorial Chapter, including participation in the Dayton Air Show, inspired her son, Paul Smith, who is now interning at the Air Force Research Laboratory through the SOCHE program while pursuing engineering studies through the University of Dayton.
Every year, the Wright Memorial Chapter recognizes exceptional educators through its Teacher of the Year Program. Annette Larson's story reminds us that recognizing outstanding teachers creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. It reaches students, families, schools, and communities, fostering innovation, inspiring curiosity, and helping prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and future Airmen and Guardians.
That is the true ripple effect of the AFA Teacher of the Year Award.
