Two local teachers are finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year.

The Indiana Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers around the state who are making a difference for Hoosier students.

Martin Briggs, a 4th grade teacher at Crichfield Elementary School in LaPorte, and L.A. High, an 8th grade math teacher at Schmucker Middle School in the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, are two of the three finalists in the statewide program.

Briggs has taught for 47 years, playing a key role in the successful implementation of the ILEARn checkpoints at his school and helping students master content through hands-on experiences.

High has herded an Impact Award for achieving the highest growth in the corporation for 8th grade math, as measured by the fall and spring ILEARN assessments. The Teacher of the Year will be announced in October.