Tag: Regional Teachers of the Year

SALEM, OR – Monday, the Oregon Department of Education joined with the Oregon Lottery in announcing Oregon’s 2025-26 Regional Teachers of the Year.  The 16 regional winners have been notified through surprise announcement and local gatherings over the past two weeks in their respective communities.

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year – outstanding educators whose tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich the lives of students and communities across Oregon,” said Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each recipient embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and inclusivity, and we are proud to honor, and learn from, their inspiring work. These extraordinary teachers remind us that great education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”

Regional Teachers of the Year are selected through a nomination, application, and selection process led by the regional Education Service Districts across Oregon.  Applicants submit testimonials, essays, and letters of support, and are evaluated by regional panels on leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision, and professional development.

The Oregon Lottery provides a $1,000 prize to each Regional Teacher of the Year, and all 16 will now be considered a semi-finalist in the selection process for the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall.

The Regional Teacher of the Winners are as follows:

• Kimberly Agricola, Sunset Middle School, Coos Bay School District
• Sarah Anderson, Dufur School, Dufur School District
• Kacey Baxter, Newport Middle School, Lincoln County School District
• Jennifer Bracken, Sutherlin East Primary, Sutherlin School District
• Maria Crowley, Jefferson County Middle School, Jefferson County School District
• Jason Galbraith, Sunset High School, Beaverton School District
• Sally Golden, Community Transition Program, Springfield School District
• Makenna Heffington, Fremont Elementary, Lake County School District
• Amy Huffman, Little Explorers Preschool, Sherman County School District
• Maximillian Jones, North Valley High School, Three Rivers School District
• Jo Lane, Roosevelt High School, Portland Public Schools
• Mona Mensing, Redmond High School, Redmond School District
• Margot Peek, Willamette Primary School, West Linn-Wilsonville School District
• Sena Raschio, Humbolt Elementary, John Day School District
• Korrie Shull, John F. Kennedy High School, Mt. Angel School District
• Marianne Smith, McLoughlin High School, Milton-Freewater School District

Nominations for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year award are being accepted now at oregonteacheroftheyear.org.