Carmel Clay Schools’ Craig Harper Named Top 7 Finalist for Indiana Teacher of the Year
Our 2025 Teacher of the Year, Craig Harper, is a Finalists for the for Indiana Teacher of the Year Award!
CARMEL, Ind. — Carmel Clay Schools is proud to announce that Craig Harper, Carmel High School’s Biomedical Science teacher and the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, has been named one of seven finalists for the prestigious Indiana Teacher of the Year (INTOY) award.
Each year, the Indiana Teacher of the Year Program celebrates educators who exemplify excellence in the classroom and inspire the next generation of learners. Finalists represent the best of the profession—teachers who not only ignite curiosity and achievement in their own students, but also uplift the teaching profession across the state.
Harper, who teaches the introductory Principles of Biomedical Science course and the capstone Biomedical Innovations course as part of Project Lead the Way, is known for his deep commitment to authentic, real-world learning. His seniors tackle complex, pressing health challenges, designing innovative solutions that are presented at a community showcase involving local hospitals, government leaders, and industry experts.
Beyond curriculum, Harper has cultivated a network of more than 40 healthcare professionals and alumni guest speakers, connecting over 100 students to shadowing opportunities in specialties ranging from open-heart surgery and biomedical engineering to nursing and health policy. His mentorship has fueled student success on both state and national stages, including top-three finishes in the Innovate WithIN pitch competition, a state finalist team in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, and projects resulting in at least four provisional patents.
Colleagues and students alike describe Harper as a teacher who challenges students to think critically, view problems through a global lens, and discover their own potential. His classroom is a place where rigor meets purpose, where every project connects to real human impact.
“Mr. Harper stands out as an extraordinary educator whose passion, expertise, and innovation leave a lasting mark on every student he teaches,” said Dr. Thomas Oestreich, Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools. “His work not only transforms the lives of our students but also has a ripple effect nationally, as his alumni go on to make significant contributions to the medical and global health fields. This recognition is so well deserved—we are incredibly proud to see him honored among Indiana’s best educators.”
The Indiana Teacher of the Year will be announced later this fall. The recipient will serve as a lifelong ambassador for education in the state, mentoring fellow educators and advocating for the profession.
Learn more at the Indiana Teacher of the Year Program website.
