Boonville Teacher Competes for 'America's Favorite Teacher' Award

Stephanie Son of Boonville High School needs community votes to win $25,000 grand prize and a school visit from Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:34am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a classroom filled with various school supplies and learning materials, all captured in a soft, hazy glow of natural light, conveying the nurturing and supportive environment created by a dedicated teacher.A teacher's dedication to her students shines through in the warm, nurturing atmosphere of her classroom.Boonville Today

Boonville High School English teacher Stephanie Son is a finalist in the 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest run by Reader's Digest and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Son has been inspiring students for over 27 years, and the community is rallying to help her win the $25,000 grand prize, a trip to Hawaii, and a school assembly hosted by Bill Nye.

Why it matters

This contest shines a light on the selfless work teachers do, often spending their own money to support their students. A win for Stephanie Son would not only provide much-needed funds for her classroom, but also bring national recognition to the Boonville community and the difference its educators make in young people's lives.

The details

Stephanie Son is one of the finalists remaining from over 90,000 initial entries in the 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest. The grand prize includes $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, an appearance in Reader's Digest, and a school assembly hosted by Bill Nye the Science Guy at the winner's school. Son has been teaching at Boonville High School for 27 years, and many of her former students now teach alongside her or have children in her classes. To support Son, community members can vote for her once per day for free, or purchase additional votes ranging from $10 to $250, with proceeds going to The Planetary Society.

  • The 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest opened earlier this year with over 90,000 initial entries.
  • There are now less than 75,000 entries remaining, and Stephanie Son is still in the running.
  • Voting will continue if Son makes it through the current judging round.

The players

Stephanie Son

A 27-year veteran English teacher at Boonville High School in Indiana, known affectionately by her students as 'Mama Son'.

Bill Nye

The host of the popular children's science TV show 'Bill Nye the Science Guy', who is partnering with Reader's Digest to find 'America's Favorite Teacher' and will host a school assembly for the winner.

Reader's Digest

The magazine publisher that has partnered with Bill Nye to run the 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest.

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What they’re saying

“I would pay off some debt, take a much-needed vacation, stock up my snack pantry for my students, start a college-savings account for my only grandchild, donate to St. Jude and some other charitable organizations, and put the rest in savings. I have a lot of growing teenagers, so I buy them snacks and water out of my own money regularly. It becomes costly, but they appreciate it, and they are worth it! Students learn and focus better when they aren't hungry.”

— Stephanie Son, Teacher

What’s next

Voting will continue if Stephanie Son makes it through the current judging round of the 'America's Favorite Teacher' contest. Community members can vote for her once per day for free, or purchase additional votes to support her bid to win the $25,000 grand prize.

The takeaway

This contest highlights the selfless work teachers like Stephanie Son do every day, often spending their own money to support their students. A win for Son would not only provide much-needed funds for her classroom, but also bring national recognition to the Boonville community and the difference its educators make in young people's lives.