Nate Jackson, a social studies teacher at Willamette High School in the Bethel School District, was named Oregon's 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.
Jackson has taught American Studies, World Studies, and Black Studies at Willamette High School for seven years. He co-advises the school's Black Student Union and organized the first Black Summit, bringing students from across the district together for peer connection and discussion.
He has raised more than $60,000 to provide educational travel experiences for students, according to the Oregon Department of Education. Before becoming a teacher, Jackson worked in broadcasting in Washington and California, serving as an in-game emcee for University of Oregon games.
Jackson will receive a $10,000 cash award, and Willamette High School will receive $5,000. He was selected after an extensive application process that assessed applicants on leadership, instructional expertise, community involvement, and professional development. As the state's teacher of the year, Jackson will serve as a spokesperson for Oregon teachers and receive year-long professional development through the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year program.