Mrs. Jennifer Duffey has been named the 2026 Gold Star Teacher by Gold Star and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Mrs. Jennifer Duffey is a second grade teacher at St. Bernadette in Amelia who works hard to make a difference in her school! Duffey was chosen from a pool of 590 nominations submitted from public and private schools across the region. Duffey received more than 34,490 votes of the 83,000 votes cast, earning her the 2026 title of Gold Star Teacher.
As a part of her 2026 Gold Star Teacher Award winners, Duffey will receive a prize package totaling over $7k in grants and experiences. In addition to a $2,000 classroom grant, St. Bernadette will receive a $1,000 donation to their PTA, students and staff will receive free cheese coney vouchers, Mrs. Duffy received $500 in gift cards, and St. Bernadette will get to enjoy a TCT show, too!
“Over the course of our Gold Star Teacher Program, this is the greatest number of votes we have ever received for a winning teacher,” said Roger David, President and CEO of Gold Star. “And for good reason. Teachers like Mrs. Duffey not only inspire students to learn and grow through engaging lesson plans, but they also demonstrate first-hand the true meaning of compassion and support, both inside and outside the classroom. The countless stories shared in Mrs. Duffey’s nominations only reinforce why she is so deserving of this year’s award.”
Let’s get to know the 2026 Gold Star Teacher Award winner, Mrs. Jennifer Duffey a little bit better…
1. What was your favorite subject growing up?
Science was always my favorite subject growing up. I loved experimenting and discovering how things work, especially in chemistry and physics. It made learning exciting and sparked a curiosity that has stayed with me ever since.
2. What clubs and extracurriculars did you take part of as a student?
I was a Girl Scout from third grade through my senior year in high school. I received the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. I also rode horses and competed in small local shows around the Dayton area. In high school, I was also a part of the Spanish Club and National Honor Society.
3. Who influenced you to go into teaching?
There wasn’t just one person who influenced my decision to become a teacher. From about the age of twelve, I’ve felt that God was calling me to this path. Over the years, I naturally gravitated toward experiences that helped prepare me such as spending time babysitting, taking on leadership roles in Girl Scouts, and working as a camp counselor. Each of these opportunities strengthened my desire to teach and confirmed that this is where I was meant to be.
4. What is your favorite part of your daily teaching life?
My favorite part is helping my students know the love of God.
5. How many years have you been teaching?
This is my 21st. year of teaching.
6. In what ways are you active in your school’s community (coaching/clubs/volunteer work)?
I would say that I am actively involved in attending my students sporting events and extracurricular activities.
7. What is something interesting about you that your students would be surprised to learn?
When I was in sixth grade, I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a Girl Scout ambassador for the City of Dayton to Oiso, Japan. During that experience, my sister and I attended a Girl Scout meeting in Japan, where we connected with other scouts and shared gifts from our troop back in the United States. It was a meaningful and memorable experience that I’ll always cherish.
8. If you could pass along one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?
My advice is to stay flexible and not give up. Be open to working hard, trying different solutions, and stick with it even when things feel challenging. Persistence and willingness to adapt will take you a long way.
We are looking for great teachers! Know an educator worthy of a spotlight?! E-mail us at amandac@frg.inc
