Schmucker Middle School’s L.A. High Named a Top 3 Finalist for 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year

Mishawaka, IN – We are thrilled to announce that L.A. (Kriss) High, an 8th grade Math teacher at Schmucker Middle School and Penn-Harris-Madison’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, has advanced at the state level as one of Indiana’s Top 3 Finalists for the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year award! This incredible recognition continues to highlight Mr. High’s impactful teaching and dedication to student success.

Today, September 3rd, 2025, members of the Indiana Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year selection committee made a surprise classroom observation at Schmucker Middle School and delivered the exciting news that Mr. High had been elevated to the Top 3. Over the coming days and weeks, the IDOE will continue its process of evaluating finalists before announcing the statewide winner this fall.

When notified about reaching the Top 3, Mr. High shared:

“Once again, I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be named as a Top 3 Finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year. Thank you to my wife, Emily, and our daughters, Kate and Molly, who have been constant supporters all these years and through this entire process. When I reflect on my career as a teacher, I can’t help but think of the people and the relationships that have been built through the years. I have been blessed to be surrounded by people in my life who have impacted me from childhood until now. I wish I had the chance to personally recognize each one in a manner that they deserve, but I hope all of those people know how much they have meant to me throughout my life. To the rest of my family, friends, and co-workers—thank you for the influence you’ve had on my life.”

From District Honors to Statewide Recognition

On May 5, 2025, now-retired Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker surprised Mr. High with the news that he had been named P-H-M’s 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year. The announcement recognized his exceptional performance in 8th-grade math, particularly his award for highest student growth on ILEARN assessments. 

Impact Outside the Classroom

In addition to his outstanding performance in the classroom, Mr. High has demonstrated leadership by organizing imaginative fundraising efforts for Riley Hospital for Children—including trivia nights, a “pie-a-teacher” contest, and a 150-mile bike ride that has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

A Top 3 Finalist in Indiana

Following this impressive district-level honor, Mr. High entered the Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) process. As of now, he is one of the Top‑3 finalists out of all of the teachers in Indiana. We announced on August 15th, 2025 when Mr. High was named a Top-7 Finalist.

What’s Next?

Finalists are evaluated by a committee that includes former Indiana Teachers of the Year, IDOE staff, educational and community leaders, and representatives from higher education. With today’s advancement to the Top 3, Mr. High is now one step closer to potentially being named the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year. The final winner will be announced in early Fall 2025.

Celebrating Teaching Excellence

This exciting milestone affirms the impact of L.A. High’s work in educating and inspiring middle schoolers. P-H-M is proud to celebrate his achievements, and we look forward to cheering him on as the state selection process continues.

— For more background on how Mr. High was named P-H-M’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, visit our May 5 article.