Summit Academy Community School – Parma high school science teacher Ryan Flanagan is in the running for America’s Favorite Teacher, and your vote can help bring him to the finish line. It could also help bring Bill Nye the Science Guy to Flanagan’s classroom!
Flanagan says he became a teacher out of enjoyment in helping others. Outside the classroom he has taught others how to drive and how to code websites. He even mentored two Lego League robotic teams.
“Teaching is extremely gratifying to me and showing up for my students every day and being a positive role model for them to grow and learn is everything to me,” he says.
Flanagan says he also enjoys bringing out the best in his students. “I remember one of my chemistry classes absolutely dreading our lesson on electron configuration. After the lesson and working through some practice problems, [the students] seemed to really enjoy it and even asked me for problems. Not only was it gratifying to watch their growth mindsets push through something difficult, but they really enjoyed what they had learned,” he says.
What would Flanagan do if he landed on top and won the competition winner’s $25,000 prize?
“Quite honestly, I would use $10,000 of the $25,000 towards my school, mostly for field trips … I think more educational excursions can benefit our students by getting out of the building and taking advantage of fun and hands-on activities to help strengthen learning,” he says.
To vote for Ryan Flanagan, visit https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/ryan-flanagan.