By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
One year after being a finalist for the award, Corpus Christi teacher Stefanie Simmons was named the 2026 Vanderburgh County Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Simmons was recognized with the award during a surprise presentation April 8 at Corpus Christi School in Evansville.
“It completely caught me off guard,” Simmons said. “I had no idea it was coming, which made the moment even more emotional and special. I don’t typically enjoy attention, but I truly appreciated everyone taking time out of their day to celebrate with me.”
Corpus Christi Principal Andrea Greaney said it was an honor to see Simmons recognized with the award. Simmons is an incredible teacher, wonderful human being and a good friend who loves everybody with all her heart and soul, Greaney said.
“She gives her heart and soul to everything she does at and for Corpus Christi and loves the students as if they were her own,” Greaney said. “Her dedication, kindness and passion make her not only an extraordinary teacher but also an incredible colleague and friend. I am so proud of her, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Simmons is the second teacher in the past two years in the Diocese of Evansville to receive a Teacher of the Year Award. Last year, Norah Ferguson, teacher at St. Joseph School in Vanderburgh County, was named the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Specific to Vanderburgh County, the competition recognizes exemplary classroom teachers and building principals possessing at least three years of experience. The awards are made possible through the sponsorship of the University of Evansville, Liberty Federal Credit Union and the Evansville Courier & Press.
According to a press release from the University of Evansville, Simmons is a middle school science teacher and K-8 resource teacher at Corpus Christi School. She has 20 years of teaching experience, including 14 years at Corpus Christi. She teaches science across grades 6-8 while also supporting students throughout the school in a variety of subjects, allowing her to build strong connections with learners at every level, the release says.
Upon receiving the award, Simmons said she was overwhelmed in the best way. She feels blessed to do what she loves every day and does not often stop to think about recognition, she said.
“My first thought was gratitude,” Simmons said. “For my students, my coworkers, the families who trust me with their children and for my own family, who often sacrifice their time to support me. The award made me reflect on all the moments we shared in the classroom. The laughter, the growth and even the challenges. They are all important and it truly feels like this belongs to all of us.”
Simmons said teaching at Corpus Christi has allowed her to teach with both heart and purpose. She is surrounded by supportive coworkers and a community that truly cares about each child, which has given her the freedom to be creative, build strong relationships and meet students where they are academically, emotionally and spiritually.
She said receiving the award means so much because it reflects the relationships she has built with students.
“Middle schoolers navigate so much, and I try to be someone they can rely on, not just academically, but personally,” Simmons said. “If I can help them feel seen, supported and valued, then I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do. Being recognized for that is incredibly meaningful.”