The Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) has selected Amy Abell, founder and owner of HopeAlight, as the recipient of the 2026 Lorin A. Burt Educator of the Year Award, one of Indiana’s highest honors in education.

The award recognizes exemplary educators whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Indiana’s students, schools, and communities. Abell will be recognized during the ISBA-IAPSS Annual Fall Conference on October 5 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

For the past nine years, Abell and her team at HopeAlight have helped Indiana schools build trauma-informed, relationship-centered learning environments through Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). During that time, HopeAlight has supported 40 school districts across Indiana, trained more than 18,000 educators and stakeholders, and led more than 1,200 consultation sessions to support implementation. Prior to establishing HopeAlight, Abell worked as a school psychologist, primarily in Perry Township Schools in Indianapolis.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is a holistic, attachment-based, trauma-informed model designed to support children and youth who have experienced adversity. The model equips educators, caregivers, and professionals with practical strategies to address behavioral, emotional, and relational challenges by focusing on the needs of the whole child.

Through HopeAlight, Abell has helped schools move beyond training sessions and toward sustainable, long-term change. Her team works alongside school corporations to strengthen trauma-responsive practices, helping educators understand the effects of adversity and chronic stress on learning, behavior, and relationships. Central to HopeAlight’s philosophy is the belief that healthy, trusting relationships are the foundation of student success. This approach empowers educators to both create environments where students feel physically and emotionally safe and to use practical strategies that help children regulate emotions, communicate needs, and build self-worth.

“Having a safe, trusting relationship with someone who is responsive to a child’s needs is one of the strongest predictors of resilience,” Abell said. “When students feel safe, know how to regulate their emotions, can use their voice to meet their needs, and believe in their own worth, they are far more likely to thrive.”

While schools remain HopeAlight’s primary focus, the organization has also provided training and support to organizations in child services, the justice system, community mental health, summer camps, and more.

ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin said Abell’s work has transformed the educational experience for countless students and educators across Indiana. “Amy Abell has had a profound impact on Hoosier students,” Spradlin said. “Through HopeAlight, she has provided educators with a framework that helps students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. ISBA is proud to recognize Amy with our prestigious Lorin A. Burt Educator of the Year Award.”

Abell expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and for the opportunity to continue serving Indiana’s schools. “Grateful doesn’t begin to cover how I feel about being honored with this award,” said Abell. “I love this work. I’m so passionate about it. I hope to continue to do the state and our educational system proud for the rest of my career.”

The Lorin A. Burt Educator of the Year Award is conferred annually by the Indiana School Boards Association to an exemplary educator for overall excellence in contributions to Indiana education. Chosen by school board members, the recipient is recognized during the ISBA-IAPSS Annual Fall Conference. The award is named for Lorin A. Burt, who led the Indiana School Boards Association from 1960 until his death in 1967.