Oregon Teacher of the Year

Educating and Inspiring Oregon’s Future

Since 2016, the Oregon Lottery has proudly sponsored the Teacher of the Year program to reward our state’s amazing teachers, who dedicate their lives to inspiring students every day.

Recognizing Amazing Teachers since 1955

In 1955, Oregon honored Margaret (Perry) Teufel of Monmouth Elementary School as its first Teacher of the Year. 1955 was an exciting year for Margaret and for Oregon as she was also awarded the National Teacher of the Year. Twice more, an Oregon educator received our nation’s highest honor – 1973 with John Ensworth of Kenwood Elementary in Bend and 2008 with Mike Geisen of Crook County Middle School in Prineville.

Meet Some of Oregon’s Teacher of the Year Winners

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2024

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2024

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2023

Ethelyn Talamud, Oregon 2022 Teacher of the Year

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2022

Nicole Bulter-Hooton

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2021

Mercedes Munoz

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year 2020

A Brief History of Teacher of the Year

The United States established the Teacher of the Year program as a way to nationally recognize outstanding educators.

Oregon began its participation in Teacher of the Year and first honored Margaret Perry, who went on to win the national title that year.

John A. Ensworth, a sixth grade teacher from Bend, became Oregon’s second teacher to win the national title.

Michael Geisen, a middle school science teacher from Prineville, became Oregon’s third teacher to win the national title.

The Oregon Lottery sponsored Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program and opened the door to rewarding winners with cash gifts and school funding.

Oregon’s Teacher of the Year program expanded to recognize 19 regional winners, Each regional winner receives $1,000 and is considered for the state title.

LOTTERY DOLLARS DOING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY