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NEWS RELEASE
Date: January 8, 2026
Media Contact: Liz Merah
 Nominations Open for the 2026-27
Oregon Teacher of the Year
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with Oregon Lottery, is pleased to announce the Oregon Teacher of the Year program is once again honoring exemplary educators in every region of the state!
(Salem, OR) - Nominations are open statewide through 5:00 p.m. on February 11, 2026.
The Oregon Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across the state. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.
Do you know a teacher who should be considered for this distinction? Nominate them now!
What happens after nominations close in February?
All eligible teachers* who have been nominated will be invited to submit an application. Candidates who apply will then be in the running to be selected as a Regional Teacher of the Year in one of the 19 Education Service Districts statewide. Every Regional Teacher of the Year will be awarded $1,000 and will be celebrated across the state in September.
Finalists for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will be selected from amongst the regional winners by a blue ribbon panel. Following additional application questions and interviews, the panel will then select the state honoree. Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the Oregon Teacher of the Year receives an award of $10,000, as well as a special fund to cover all travel costs for the year.
"My experience thus far as Oregon Teacher of the Year has been nothing short of humbling, exhilarating, heartwarming, and amazing, and my time has only just begun,” said Sally Golden, Oregon’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. “This honor is for every student, parent, educational assistant, specialist, support staff, teacher, administrator, and community partner who has contributed and taken part in the beauty and magic that is the Springfield Community Transition Program. I am beyond excited to represent my program, my district, and my state and hope to make everyone proud!"
The Oregon Teacher of the Year will also submit an application to be considered for the honor of National Teacher of the Year.
If you have questions about the program, please reach out to the Oregon Teacher of the Year Program Coordinator Michelle Goodness.
*Prior to nominating, we encourage you to review the Oregon Teacher of the Year eligibility requirements - please see the “About” section on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.
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