After a week-long period of voting, science teacher Julia Murdock established herself as the top candidate for the America’s Favorite Teacher contest within her regional group. Now, Murdock has advanced the quarterfinal round, for which voting will run from April 27 to May 7.

With a 25,000 cash award and a Bill Nye school visit on the line, the overall first place award is highly coveted.

“You all helped me do that, and that was really lovely,” Murdock said.  “I have to be first in my [quarterfinals] group to move up to semifinals, which has fewer groups. The further I go, the more competitive it gets. Last year, there were around 90,000 teachers in the initial nationwide pool.”

Murdock is currently ranked third within a group of 15 quarterfinalists; there are a total of 1500 groups of 15 teachers each across the nation. Students can boost her position by casting a free vote through Facebook, which renews each day, or by donating to add more votes—although Murdock discourages students from spending money.

“With the rents, groceries and gasoline prices right now, I feel very much against asking people to do that. However, some are donating because they’re interested in adding to the Marine Lab fund I want to create. A lot of students are really excited about this competition, and it only takes a second to cast a free vote.”

Find the voting portal here: https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/julia-murdock