Recognizing outstanding educators who make a lasting impact in Southwest Washington schools
About the Award
About the Regional Teacher of the Year Award
Washington’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators who inspire students, support fellow teachers, and positively impact their communities. Each year, every ESD selects one Regional Teacher of the Year through a nomination and evaluation process.
Regional honorees are chosen by the end of the school year and go on to complete a written application, virtual interviews, and a short keynote presentation. The State Superintendent announces the Washington State Teacher of the Year in the late summer or early fall.
Regional Winners
- 2026 – John Zingale, Vancouver iTech Preparatory
2025 – Rachel Lake, Ilwaco High School - 2024 – Donna Schatz, Washougal High School
- 2023 – Dana Miles, Washington School for the Deaf
- 2022 – Brenda Hitchins, Washougal High School
- 2021 – Dr. Erin Lark, iTech Preparatory School
- 2020 – Amy Campbell, Helen Baller Elementary School
- 2019 – Kimberly Miller, Woodland High School
- 2018 – Ethan Chessin, Camas High School
- 2017 – Kendra Yamamoto, Martin Luther King Elementary School
2016 – Bethany Rivard, Fort Vancouver High School
Nominate a Teacher
Nominate a Teacher for Regional Teacher of the Year
2027 Regional Teacher of the Year nominations are now closed!
Who Can Nominate?
School districts, colleagues, students, families, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates.
Teacher of the Year Eligibility & Criteria
Any certificated teacher is eligible if they are:
- Currently teaching.
- Serving in a position where at least 50% of their time is spent giving direct instruction to students in a classroom setting.
- Planning to continue teaching for at least two more years.
How are Teachers of the Year Recognized?
State and Regional Teachers of the Year are recognized at a fall awards ceremony and may participate in a leadership retreat and ongoing professional development opportunities. They are encouraged to advocate for key education issues and share their voice through speaking and presenting across their region and the state.
Key Dates
Late January – Nomination Form Open
March 1, 2026 – Nomination Form Deadline
End of school year – Regional Winner Announced
Late fall – State Winner Announced
Who to Contact
Teacher of the Year News
Nominations open for 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year and 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year
Educational Service District 112 is now accepting nominations for two highly esteemed regional awards: the 2027 Teacher of the Year and the 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year. These awards honor exceptional educators and [...]
Vancouver iTech’s John Zingale named 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year by ESD 112
ESD 112 is excited to announce that John Zingale, a history and social studies teacher at Vancouver iTech Preparatory, has been named the 2026 Regional Teacher of the Year. Zingale’s dynamic approach to education, which [...]
Ilwaco High School’s Rachel Lake Honored as 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year by ESD 112
ESD 112 has named Ilwaco High School’s (IHS) Rachel Lake the 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year. Lake, a dedicated and multi-talented educator, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to her [...]
2024 Regional Teacher of the Year Embraces Job-Readiness Lessons
As the school year comes to a close, 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year Donna Schatz prepares students to apply tangible job-readiness skills in her engineering class at Washougal High School. Schatz was recently recognized [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.