Albion Student Named 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year

Rigby High School teacher and Albion Center student Laron Johnson has been named the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year, recognized for his 29 years of dedication to his students, innovative teaching, and a lifelong commitment to professional growth.

The applause and cheers from the students and staff at Rigby High School on the day Johnson received the award are something he will never forget.

“The adrenaline rush lasted for three days, and I cherished a Sunday nap that allowed the synapses of my brain to stop firing,” he said. “One of the coolest moments was when Superintendent Critchfield asked what I was going to do with the accompanying ten-thousand-dollar award, and my Senior Economics students started to chant, ‘Invest it!’ Well, my dear students, I will do exactly that.”

Johnson’s inspiration to teach traces back to 1990 at Bear Lake High School. It was the example of his beloved history teacher, Mr. Bruce Belnap, who took the time to listen and truly know his students that left a lasting impression on Johnson. It inspired Johnson to become the kind of teacher who doesn’t just teach students a subject but one who invests time and energy into understanding, supporting, and encouraging every student who walks through his door.

Johnson has completed several Albion Center courses, including STEM Concepts, Environmental Humanities in the K–12 Classroom, and Human Rights Education, that he says have shaped his teaching and helped him reach this milestone.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the Albion Center for offering so many classes that have allowed me to grow professionally,” Johnson said. “My human rights classes, especially through the Idaho Humanities Council Summer Teacher’s Institute, have been significant in developing the classes I teach, particularly our Holocaust program at Rigby High School.”

That program, which Johnson co-teaches with colleague Kerry Thomas, gives students the opportunity to explore stories of endurance and triumph through creative projects. At the end of the program, students produce an immersive project, ranging from paintings and ceramics to dance and welding, that reflects what they have learned.

“Each student develops an amazing object that shows their passion for being an instrument of light,” Johnson said. “I enjoy these presentations more than Christmas morning opening presents.”

Johnson’s learning experiences with the Albion Center have also inspired his leadership beyond the classroom. After completing Environmental Humanities in the K–12 Classroom, he developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by migrant farmworkers in the U.S. 

“Today, I’m the co-advisor at Rigby High School for our Future Hispanic Leaders of America branch,” he said. “That experience continues to influence the work I do with these amazing students.”

Over his 29-year career, one of Johnson’s greatest takeaways is that successful teaching begins and ends with relationships. 

“Every teacher needs to show that each student is appreciated and valued,” he said. “Go to their events, relate your subject to their lives, and help them see how what they’re learning matters.”

And his advice to other educators? 

“Never stop learning. Find a symposium or institute in the summer, then bring that excitement back to your classroom. The Albion Center is one of the greatest resources in helping develop the ultimate educator.”