In surprise ceremony, 'Sra. Fink' from MPS' Milwaukee Spanish Immersion is named a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
Before a gymnasium filled with cheering kids, second-grade teacher Toni Fink finally walked up to the microphone.
"I have no secrets. I love all the kids, that's it," Fink said, as she made a heart gesture with her hands.
Fink had just been named a Wisconsin Teacher of the Year 2026 in a surprise ceremony at Milwaukee Public Schools' Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School Upper Campus. Like her colleagues and their elementary students at the K4 through fifth-grade school, Fink hadn't been given a reason for the surprise schoolwide assembly on May 14.
But the event quickly turned into a celebration with flying confetti and congratulations between tearful colleagues at the school where Fink has taught for over 25 years.
"She was a little nervous this morning, everybody, because I think she knew something was different — the energy was different," said Principal Marybell Nieves-Harris. "We are just so happy."
Nieves-Harris described what it was like to ask Fink, a longtime fifth-grade teacher, to switch to teaching second grade.
"I said to her, 'Sra. Fink, you are so special that we need you at the beginning of second grade so that you can touch the lives of all the children by the time they're in fifth grade,'" Nieves-Harris said.
Fink's mother, Pamela Sanicola, was among the group of family and friends who filed onto the school stage as the award was announced. Event organizers had sneaked them into the school without Fink knowing to join the ceremony.
Sanicola said the family knew about the award for about a month in advance — and kept it a secret.
"We've lied to her so much," Sanicola said. "She thought I was at the doctor's office."
Sanicola said her daughter wanted to be a teacher since she was little. Now, she's the type who spends her summers at teacher institutes and exudes passion for the job.
'You would think it was her first day," Sanicola said.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction names five Teachers of the Year annually. For 2026, other award winners teach in Darlington, Mishicot, Sun Prairie and Greenfield.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly traveled from Madison to Milwaukee for the surprise ceremony. Addressing the crowd, she described Fink as a "fierce and caring advocate for her students and their families." As an example, she said that when Fink's students needed winter gear to enjoy recess outside, she decided to create a schoolwide drive for clothing.
"While she brings a wealth of experience to her classroom, what makes her so beloved is that she never stops learning, growing and evolving. Her energy is contagious, and her joy for teaching lifts everyone around her," Underly said.
Winners this year each receive $3,000 from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. For Fink, that money will be used to upgrade the school science lab.
Fink is the fifth Milwaukee Public Schools educator to receive the award since 2020.
During the ceremony, MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius greeted the auditorium in Spanish. Then she asked the crowd of young kids to point to their teachers and support staff in appreciation of their work.
"I am so impressed by you and your school and all of your amazing teachers here," Cassellius said.
Marva Herndon, vice president of the MPS Board of School Directors, praised the immersion school's academics and focus on immersing kids in Spanish.
"It is always a pleasure to be in the presence of professionals whose life work, 1, inspires an entire generation, No. 2, adds value to a student's self-worth and image, (and) No. 3 impacts the Milwaukee community through its daily efforts, without accolades," Herndon said.
After an interview process, one of the five Teachers of the Year will represent Wisconsin in the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year Program.
Along with Fink, other Wisconsin Teachers of the Year for 2026 are:
School: Darlington Elementary/Middle School in the Darlington Community School District
According to DPI, "Acherman has taught in Darlington since 1994 and is known for his hands-on approach to science education, incorporating field trips, guest speakers, and community partnerships. He also coaches youth and school sports, advises STEM clubs, and helped found the Jim Huston Nature Trail – an outdoor classroom that connects students and the community to nature and science."
School: Sun Prairie East High School in the Sun Prairie Area School District
"Coyne leads both the Business Leadership Academy and the Sports, Entertainment, and Tourism Marketing Academy at Sun Prairie East. Through his work with Sun Prairie's Business Education Partnership, he has built strong relationships with local businesses and organizations to enhance learning and create leadership opportunities for students to make a difference in their community," DPI said.
School: Glenwood Elementary School in the Greenfield School District
"Dixon has taught second grade at Glenwood Elementary in the School District of Greenfield for the past 13 years. Known for her passion, advocacy, and leadership, she is deeply committed to empowering both students and fellow educators. Dixon creates academically rich and inclusive classrooms that nurture creativity, curiosity, and kindness. She also holds leadership roles at the district, community, and state levels," DPI said.
School: O.H. Schultz Elementary School in the Mishicot School District
"Van Hefty has dedicated the past 27 years to serving as a special education teacher at O.H. Schultz Elementary School in the School District of Mishicot. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for inclusive education and student advocacy, building strong, meaningful connections with her students, families, and colleagues. Van Hefty is widely recognized for creating nurturing, student-centered learning environments that foster growth, independence, and confidence," according to DPI.
2024: Claudia Heller de Messer, English as a second language teacher at Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts
2021: Koren Jackson, special education teacher at Milwaukee Transition High School and Susan Richardson, Milwaukee German Immersion School
2020: Chad Spurzel-Wuchterl, art teacher at Reagan High School
Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teacher from MPS school named one of five 2026 Teachers of the Year
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