 NEWS RELEASE
Date: September 25, 2026
Media Contact: Liz Merah
17 Educators Across Oregon Named
2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year
Honored for their leadership and impact on their students and schools, one will be named Oregon Teacher of the Year next month.
(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is proud to announce the full slate of the 2026-27 Oregon Regional Teachers of the Year! Each has been honored in their community during a surprise announcement, and one of the 17 will be chosen next month as the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year.
The Oregon Teacher of the Year program honors those educators whose leadership, commitment to academic achievement, and dedication to students are exemplary of the profession across the state. Classroom teachers in Oregon are essential to nurturing conditions where students experience belonging, wellness, and academic excellence.
“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Regional Teachers of the Year are selected through a nomination, application, and selection process led by the 19 regional Education Service Districts across Oregon. Applicants submit essays and letters of support, and are evaluated by regional panels based on their leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, and vision.
Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall.
“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”
Congratulations to Oregon’s 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Photos and news releases from each region are available in the links below.
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Andrea Whitson, Juntura Elementary, Juntura School District
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Anne Edwards, Wy'east Middle School, Hood River County School District
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Brennan Young, South Salem High School, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
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Cailey Powell, Roseburg High School, Douglas County School District
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Cam Scott, Joseph Charter School, Joseph School District
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Eva Varga, North Bend Middle School, North Bend School District
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Jaman Ipolito Maloy, Echo School, Echo School District
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Jennifer Crutcher, Oregon City High School, Oregon City School District
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Jennifer Mills, Tualatin High School, Tigard-Tualatin School District
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Julie Gilbertson, John Tuck Elementary School, Redmond School District
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Leah Rainey, Lebanon High School, Lebanon Community School District
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Linnaea Funk Morales, Talent Elementary School, Phoenix Talent School District
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Nate Jackson, Willamette High School, Bethel School District
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Nels Swenson, Sherman County School, Sherman County School District
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Sydney Thompson, Dayville School, Dayville School District
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Teona Hamilton, Lakeview High School/Daly Middle School, Lake County School District
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Will Chou, Maplewood Elementary School, Portland Public Schools
Do you know an extraordinary, licensed Pre-K through Grade 12 public school teacher? You can nominate them for the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year award online.
A Spanish Language version of this press release is available.
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