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 which rewards 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.
Oregon Lottery + Teacher of the Year
Every year, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) continues in the proud tradition started in 1955 by honoring an outstanding educator as Teacher of the Year. And, since 2016, they’ve had a new sponsor: the Oregon Lottery.
Oregon Lottery’s contribution to the Teacher of the Year program includes sponsorship and logistical support. These funds have helped to expand the program and increase the rewards for regional and statewide honorees who exemplify the dedication and passion of Oregon’s finest educators.
Oregon Lottery and the Department of Education, through the Teacher of the Year program, become like a family…having the Lottery involved elevated the visibility.— Michael Lindblad, 2015 Teacher of the Year and Culturally Responsive Educational Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education
Honoring Teachers Across Oregon Together
The Oregon Department of Education in partnership with the Oregon Lottery recognizes regional winners in each of the Educational Service Districts across the state. Those winners culminate into three finalists from which Oregon’s Teacher of the Year is chosen.
It’s a tremendous honor for each Regional Teacher of the Year recipient and Oregon Lottery staff are also proud to present their awards at gatherings and assemblies all over Oregon. Congratulations to all the 2024-25 regional honorees, including the three finalists:
- Kellen Akiyama, Gladiola High School
- Jodi Howell, West Albany High School
- Kayla Davidson, Fern Hill Elementary School
Teacher of the Year Finalists
Regional Teachers of the Year
Education districts in oregon
Kellen Akiyama
gladiola high school
Jodi Howell
West albany high school
Kayla Davidson
fern hill elementary
Michael Lindblad
Oregon Department of Education
Meet Previous Teachers of the Year
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.
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