Wyoming State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder Announces 2027 Wyoming Teacher of the Year Brian Cox

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder surprised Brian Cox of Cheyenne by naming him the 2027 Wyoming Teacher of the Year (WTOY) during a Sunday evening teacher celebration in Casper. Cox is an agriculture teacher at South High and the current Laramie County School District #1 District Teacher of the Year.

"Great teachers do more than teach subject matter; they see potential in every single student and give them the confidence to pursue it. Brian Cox's work at South High and Johnson Junior High demonstrates the profound impact a passionate educator can have on a community, particularly in the area of agriculture education, which is critical to our state. I am thrilled to congratulate Brian on being named Wyoming Teacher of the Year and thank him for his outstanding service to Wyoming's students," said Superintendent Degenfelder.

The annual WTOY dinner celebrated educational excellence statewide. Superintendent Degenfelder and special guest U.S. Senator John Barrasso recognized all 40 District Teachers of the Year, top educators nominated by school districts across Wyoming for their outstanding contributions to students and communities.

The evening also celebrated Garrid Halsey, an educator at Laramie Middle School, Wyoming's most recent recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award. The Milken Award honors mid-career educators for exceptionally high achievements and long-term potential. The evening concluded with inspiration and parting thoughts from Michelle Roundy, the outgoing 2026 WTOY.

As the 2027 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Mr. Cox will serve as a statewide ambassador for the teaching profession. Over the upcoming year, he will represent Wyoming educators in state and national forums, collaborate with the Wyoming Department of Education, and participate in national professional development opportunities, including the National Teacher of the Year program.