The Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery announced the 17 regional teachers of the year for 2026-27. The educators were honored in their communities with surprise announcements and will be considered semi-finalists for the statewide Oregon Teacher of the Year, to be announced later in the fall.
Regional teachers are selected through a nomination and application process conducted by the 19 regional Education Service Districts across Oregon. Applicants are evaluated on their leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, and vision. Each honoree receives a $1,000 award.
The 2026-27 regional teachers of the year are: Andrea Whitson, Juntura Elementary; Anne Edwards, Wy'east Middle School; Brennan Young, South Salem High School; Cailey Powell, Roseburg High School; Cam Scott, Joseph Charter School; Eva Varga, North Bend Middle School; Jaman Ipolito Maloy, Echo School; Jennifer Crutcher, Oregon City High School; Jennifer Mills, Tualatin High School; Julie Gilbertson, John Tuck Elementary School; Leah Rainey, Lebanon High School; Linnaea Funk Morales, Talent Elementary School; Nate Jackson, Willamette High School; Nels Swenson, Sherman County School; Sydney Thompson, Dayville School; Teona Hamilton, Lakeview High School and Daly Middle School; and Will Chou, Maplewood Elementary School.