SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Joel Coyne, a business education teacher at Sun Prairie East High School, has been chosen as one of 43 educators nationwide to receive a 2027 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence from the NEA Foundation. Coyne was recognized for his work in the classroom, professional leadership, community involvement and efforts to expand opportunities for students. He is Wisconsin’s 2026 nominee for the National Teacher of the Year program. “Joel brings passion for his students, profession and community to the classroom every day,” Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, said in a statement. The national honorees are scheduled to be celebrated at the 2027 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, D.C., in February. Five of the 43 educators will receive Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence, including $10,000 each. A separate NEA Member Benefits award will provide one recipient with $25,000. The recipient of that award and the five Horace Mann honorees will be selected from the group of 43.