The 'Lithuanian Teacher 2026' initiative is an annual event organized by Lrytas, celebrating the impactful contributions of educators in Lithuania. This year's nominees represent individuals who create meaningful change in their communities by not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing essential skills such as confidence, curiosity, and independent thought among students. The initiative involves a public voting process where readers have the opportunity to nominate teachers across ten traditional and seven special categories established by partners.

After a three-week period of registration and voting, the voting process concluded on the night of February 8. Following this, a committee will evaluate the nominations, combining their assessments with the public votes to determine the winners of the 'Lithuanian Teacher 2026' awards. This collaboration between the readers' choices and the evaluation committee's decisions aims to showcase the community’s gratitude and recognition toward the teaching profession, emphasizing the value placed on educators by society.

The event highlights the community's voice in acknowledging and appreciating educators who have made significant impacts in their schools and beyond. Each nominated teacher is a testament to the esteem and trust placed in them by their students and the wider community. The initiative serves not only as recognition but also as a reminder of the critical role that educators play in shaping future generations, encouraging ongoing dialogue about the importance of respect and gratitude within the educational sector.