Alexandra Snabon-Jun has been named the 2026 Nevada State Teacher of the Year in a ceremony held on Wednesday. Jun, who teaches music at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, will represent Nevada in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Governor Joe Lombardo issued a statement congratulating Jun. “On behalf of the state of Nevada, I would like to extend my congratulations to the 2026 Nevada State Teacher of the Year, Alexandra Snabon-Jun,” Lombardo said. “She exemplifies exceptional dedication and leadership in the field of education, significantly impacting the lives of her students. I am proud that she will represent our great state on the national stage.”
The Nevada State Teacher of the Year program aims to honor outstanding teachers at various levels and promote excellence within the teaching profession.
Dr. Steve Canavero, Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction, commented on Jun’s selection: “Ali is an exemplary longtime educator and a leader among her peers. She has a remarkable ability to connect with students and make them feel welcome at school. I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in her new role as Teacher of the Year.”
Candidates for this recognition are nominated before undergoing an application and interview process. Finalists’ applications are reviewed anonymously by Superintendent Canavero before making a final decision.
Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Clark County School District (CCSD), also praised Jun’s achievements: “The Clark County School District is incredibly proud to have Ms. Ali Jun represent us on the national level as she has truly earned this prestigious designation,” Ebert said. “Ali is a dedicated educator and a rockstar. Each day her passion for teaching and educating students is evident as she inspires students to be their very best. She epitomizes what it means to make CCSD the Destination District.”
Robert Hinchliffe, Principal at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School, added: "When I think of Ali Jun, two adjectives come to mind, which are passionate and fun for kids,” he said. “She makes every lesson incredibly engaging in many ways, and is beloved by both students and parents within our community. She has built our music and choir program from the ground up and her devotion to this field is unparalleled. Mrs. Jun is an excellent choice for Nevada State Teacher of the Year and will represent our state with the highest level of integrity!”
Jun has taught in Nevada for over two decades and currently serves more than 900 students as Tyrone Thompson Elementary’s only music teacher. Her responsibilities include leading two choirs, producing musicals, and delivering instruction across several areas such as singing, dancing, percussion instruments including recorders and ukuleles.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Jun holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Syracuse University. Her career began with K-12 teaching on Long Island before moving to Las Vegas where she worked at Aldeane Comito Ries Elementary School prior to helping launch music programs at multiple new schools.
Jun’s professional accolades include receiving national recognition through awards such as the Milken Educator Award (2021) and De Castroverde Law Group Teacher Appreciation Award (2024). In 2023 she was honored with a key to Fort Scott, Kansas during her time as a Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes fellow—a role that involved collaboration with educators worldwide.
Nevada participates annually in selecting its representative for consideration by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), which oversees National Teacher of the Year honors nationally.
In 2021 Juliana Urtubey from Nevada was recognized as National Teacher of the Year.