Darlington teacher named 2026 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year

In a surprise ceremony Wednesday, State Superintendent Jill Underly named Darlington fifth- and sixth-grade science teacher Mark Acherman one of five 2026 Wisconsin teachers of the year. Acherman has taught in Darlington since 1994 and was selected for his hands-on approach to science education, community involvement and embracing of technology, Underly said. Acherman has coached basketball and cross country, advises STEM clubs and helped found the Jim Huston Nature Trail, an outdoor classroom on which trees are dedicated to retired educators. Last month, he received a Teacher Fellowship award from the Herb Kohl Education Foundation.