News
News
By: Riley Rapa, Staff Writer
Published February 2026
Members of Educators Rising have spent the past month preparing for their upcoming competitions, focusing meetings on event details and individual project planning.
The last three Educators Rising meetings centered on discussing competition timelines, locations and expectations. Members also briefly brainstormed ideas for fundraisers and teacher appreciation activities, though those plans have not yet been finalized.
“It has been a slow start to the competition season, but we’ll get there,” said Delanie Nack, president of Educators Rising.
Nack said she and fellow member Olivia Leavitt are collaborating on an illustrated children’s book for their competition entry.
The illustrated book project is one of several competition options available to members. Students could also choose to create a lesson plan on a subject of their choice, deliver a personal speech about their desire to teach or develop a TED Talk-style presentation on an educational topic.
Rylee Koehler, a member of Educators Rising, said she initially considered entering the illustrated book category before deciding another option better aligned with her goals.
“I was originally thinking of doing the illustrative book for my competition, but then I decided that that competition was not the best fit for me,” Koehler said. “I am glad that I had a lot of competition options to choose from. That way I was able to find the one that fit me and worked best for my current motivations and goals this year.”
As competition season approaches, members continue refining their projects and preparing to represent their school.